Acamprosate Calcium Enteric-coated

Generic Name: acamprosate calcium enteric-coated

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Acamprosate Calcium

11 DESCRIPTION Acamprosate calcium is supplied in an enteric-coated tablet for oral administration. Acamprosate calcium is a synthetic compound with a chemical structure similar to that of the endogenous amino acid homotaurine, which is a structural analogue of the amino acid neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid and the amino acid neuromodulator taurine. Its chemical name is 3-(Acetylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid calcium salt (2:1).

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Acamprosate calcium is supplied in an enteric-coated tablet for oral administration. Acamprosate calcium is a synthetic compound with a chemical structure similar to that of the endogenous amino acid homotaurine, which is a structural analogue of the amino acid neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid and the amino acid neuromodulator taurine. Its chemical name is 3-(Acetylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid calcium salt (2:1).

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets are indicated for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation. Treatment with acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. The efficacy of acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets in promoting abstinence has not been demonstrated in subjects who have not undergone detoxification and not achieved alcohol abstinence prior to beginning acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets treatment. The efficacy of acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets in promoting abstinence from alcohol in polysubstance abusers has not been adequately assessed.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets is two 333 mg tablets (each dose should total 666 mg) taken three times daily. A lower dose may be effective in some patients. Although dosing may be done without regard to meals, dosing with meals was employed during clinical trials and is suggested in those patients who regularly eat three meals daily. Treatment with acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets should be initiated as soon as possible after the period of alcohol withdrawal, when the patient has achieved abstinence, and should be maintained if the patient relapses. Acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets should be used as part of a comprehensive psychosocial treatment program.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Common adverse events that occurred in any acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets treatment group at a rate of 3% or greater and greater than the placebo group in controlled clinical trials with spontaneously reported adverse events are: accidental injury, asthenia, pain, anorexia, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, anxiety, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, paresthesia, pruritus and sweating ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Acamprosate does not affect the pharmacokinetics of alcohol. The pharmacokinetics of acamprosate are not affected by alcohol, diazepam, or disulfiram, and clinically important interactions between naltrexone and acamprosate were not observed [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Contains sodium sulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people. Dose reduction is required for patients with moderate renal impairment ( 5.1 ). Monitor patients for depression or suicidal ideation and prompt patients, families, and caregivers to report such symptoms to the health care provider ( 5.2 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients who previously have exhibited hypersensitivity to acamprosate calcium or any of its components ( 4.1 ). Acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment ( 4.2 ).

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Teratogenic Effects Acamprosate calcium has been shown to be teratogenic in rats when given in doses that are approximately equal to the human dose (on a mg/m 2 basis) and in rabbits when given in doses that are approximately 3 times the human dose (on a mg/m 2 basis). Acamprosate calcium produced a dose-related increase in the number of fetuses with malformations in rats at oral doses of 300 mg/kg/day or greater (approximately equal to the maximum recommended human daily (MRHD) oral dose on a mg/m 2 basis).

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Acamprosate Calcium Delayed-Release Tablets are available containing 333 mg of acamprosate calcium, USP (equivalent to 300 mg of acamprosate). The 333 mg tablets are white, enteric-coated, round, unscored tablets imprinted with M over AC in black ink on one side of the tablet and plain on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Acamprosate Calcium Enteric-coated used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets are indicated for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation. Treatment with acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. The efficacy of acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets in promoting abstinence has not been demonstrated in subjects who have not undergone detoxification and not achieved alcohol abstinence prior to beginning acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets treatment. The efficacy of acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets in promoting abstinence from alcohol in polysubstance abusers has not been adequately assessed.

What are the side effects of Acamprosate Calcium Enteric-coated?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Common adverse events that occurred in any acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets treatment group at a rate of 3% or greater and greater than the placebo group in controlled clinical trials with spontaneously reported adverse events are: accidental injury, asthenia, pain, anorexia, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, anxiety, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, paresthesia, pruritus and sweating ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan at 1-877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Acamprosate Calcium Enteric-coated during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Teratogenic Effects Acamprosate calcium has been shown to be teratogenic in rats when given in doses that are approximately equal to the human dose (on a mg/m 2 basis) and in rabbits when given in doses that are approximately 3 times the human dose (on a mg/m 2 basis). Acamprosate calcium produced a dose-related increase in the number of fetuses with malformations in rats at oral doses of 300 mg/kg/day or greater (approximately equal to the maximum recommended human daily (MRHD) oral dose on a mg/m 2 basis).

What are the important warnings for Acamprosate Calcium Enteric-coated?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Contains sodium sulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people. Dose reduction is required for patients with moderate renal impairment ( 5.1 ). Monitor patients for depression or suicidal ideation and prompt patients, families, and caregivers to report such symptoms to the health care provider ( 5.2 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients who previously have exhibited hypersensitivity to acamprosate calcium or any of its components ( 4.1 ). Acamprosate calcium delayed-release tablets are contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment ( 4.2 ).

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.