Category- Allopathy
About Acamprosate 333 mg
Acamprosate 333 mg is an oral medicine used to treat alcohol dependence in people who have already stopped drinking alcohol. It helps reduce alcohol cravings, supports abstinence (staying alcohol-free), and lowers the chance of relapse (starting alcohol again). It is not used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, or anxiety during detox. The usual dose is 666 mg three times daily, which means 2 tablets of 333 mg three times a day, and in moderate kidney problems the dose is usually reduced to 1 tablet three times daily. The most common side effect is diarrhea, while other side effects may include nausea, gas, stomach upset, dizziness, headache, weakness, trouble sleeping, anxiety, low mood, and itching.
It should be avoided in people who are allergic to it or have depression. It belongs to the class of medicines used for alcohol dependence treatment and is commonly called an anti-craving or alcohol abstinence maintenance medicine.
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat alcohol dependence (alcohol addiction) 2. To treat relapse prevention in people who have stopped drinking alcohol 3. To reduce alcohol craving |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Diarrhea (loose motions) 2. Stomach pain or upset stomach 3. Nausea (feeling like vomiting) 4. Gas / bloating 5. Loss of appetite 6. Weakness or tiredness 7. Headache 8. Dizziness 9. Trouble sleeping 10. Dry mouth 11. Itching or skin rash |
| Additional Information | To keep you safe and healthy, use this medicine only with your doctor’s guidance. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Take this medicine orally with a sip of water. |
Acamprosate 333 mg Uses
Acamprosate 333 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of anti-craving medicine. Acamprosate 333 mg is used to treat conditions following conditions:
- Alcohol Dependence (alcohol addiction)
- Alcohol Cravings (urge to drink alcohol again)
- Relapse Prevention after Alcohol Withdrawal (preventing a person from starting alcohol again after quitting)
Acamprosate 333 mg side effects
More Common
- Diarrhea (loose motions)
- Stomach pain or upset stomach
- Nausea (feeling like vomiting)
- Gas / bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Itching or skin rash
Less Common
- Mood changes
- Depression (feeling very low or hopeless)
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm thoughts
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
How Acamprosate 333 mg works
Acamprosate works by balancing c brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that are responsible for alcohol dependence. After stopping alcohol, the brain may stay overactive, which can lead to alcohol cravings and relapse. Acamprosate helps stabilize this imbalance, which helps reduce cravings and supports abstinence.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy or Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to Acamprosate 333 mg or any ingredient in the medicine, you should avoid it because it can cause serious allergic reactions like rash, itching, swelling, or breathing problems.
Depression or Suicidal Thoughts
If you have depression, low mood, or suicidal thoughts, tell your doctor before taking acamprosate. This medicine may worsen mood changes in some people, so you may need close monitoring while taking it.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, tell your doctor before taking acamprosate. It should be used only if the doctor feels the benefit is greater than the risk.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking acamprosate. Caution is needed because your doctor will decide if it is safe for you.
Acamprosate 333 mg Interaction with Food Product
Acamprosate 333 mg can be taken before or after food. Food may slightly reduce the absorption of the medicine, but this effect is not clinically important, so the dose usually does not need to be changed.
Acamprosate 333 mg Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Acamprosate 333 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Acamprosate 333 mg Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Acamprosate: 3-Acetamidopropane-1-sulfonic acid
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Acamprosate 333 mg exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended for more than 333 mg of acamprosate per day, as it may cause severe adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and in rare cases, seizures.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
Directions for use
- Take Acamprosate 333 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking Acamprosate 333 mg without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take Acamprosate 333 mg, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Acamprosate 333 mg?
Acamprosate 333 mg is used to treat alcohol dependence. It helps reduce alcohol cravings, maintain abstinence, and prevent relapse in people who have already stopped drinking.
What are the side effects of Acamprosate 333 mg?
The most common side effects are diarrhea. Other side effects may include nausea, stomach upset, gas, dizziness, headache, weakness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
What is the class of drug of Acamprosate 333 mg?
Acamprosate 333 mg belongs to the class of medicines used for alcohol dependence treatment. It is an alcohol abstinence maintenance agent or anti-craving medicine.
Reference
- Medscape. Campral [Internet]. Medscape.com. 2024. Available from
- PubChem. Acamprosate [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 21]. Available from
- Acamprosate (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Available from
- Acamprosate Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.