Campral® (acamprosate) for Maintaining Alcohol Abstinence

What Campral® Is and How It Works

Campral® (acamprosate calcium) is a prescription medicine used to help maintain abstinence in alcohol use disorder after detoxification. It does not treat acute withdrawal and does not cause sickness if alcohol is consumed. Many people know it as acamprosate Campral, and it comes as 333 mg delayed-release tablets. If ordering Campral online, a valid Campral prescription is required. Youdrugstore.com is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and all prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

Campral works by modulating glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling in the brain. After long-term drinking stops, these systems can remain overactive. Campral helps reduce that overactivity, which may lessen protracted withdrawal symptoms and alcohol cravings. It is not addictive and is generally taken three times daily. A single consistent mechanism underpins its clinical effect, and it is excreted by the kidneys with minimal liver metabolism.

We source medicines through licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies so you receive authentic brands, a wide selection, and fair pricing.

Campral uses include support for maintaining abstinence as part of a full program that includes counseling. It is often discussed as Campral for alcohol cravings. Some patients ask about Campral and drinking alcohol; while the goal is sobriety, a slip does not mean treatment stops. Continue the plan as directed and speak with the care team.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical adult dose: two 333 mg tablets (666 mg) three times daily, for a total of 1998 mg per day.
• Initiation: start after alcohol detoxification when abstinence has begun, alongside psychosocial support.
• Administration: swallow tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or split the enteric-coated Campral tablets 333 mg. Take with or without food.
• Renal impairment: moderate impairment (creatinine clearance 30–50 mL/min) often uses 333 mg three times daily. Severe impairment (≤30 mL/min) is a contraindication.
• Older adults and low body weight: follow prescriber guidance; dosing is mainly adjusted for kidney function.
• Missed dose: if a dose is missed and the next dose is near, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
• Not for acute withdrawal: benzodiazepines are used for detox; Campral is for maintaining abstinence afterward.
• Alcohol intake during therapy: the drug does not block intoxication. The treatment plan may continue, but the care team should be informed.
• Pediatric use: safety and efficacy have not been established in those under 18 years.

• Store at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in the original blister to protect from moisture.
• Keep tablets dry; avoid bathrooms and humid storage areas.
• Do not cut tablets. The delayed-release coating should remain intact.
• When traveling, keep medicine in a labeled container in your carry-on with your prescription copy.
• Do not leave medicine in a hot car or in freezing conditions.
• Use a small desiccant pouch if moving tablets to a pill organizer, and keep the organizer dry.
• Check the expiry date and request a refill before running out.

Benefits and Savings

Campral can reduce alcohol cravings and support sobriety, especially when combined with counseling. It is not sedating and is not habit-forming. Because acamprosate is cleared by the kidneys, Campral medicine is often suitable even when there is liver disease related to drinking. Many programs use it for at least 6 months.

Ordering Campral online from Canada can lower the Campral cost. Customers often see 60–80% savings versus typical US retail prices. Multi-month supplies can reduce the per-month Campral price, and reorder reminders help avoid gaps in therapy.

To look for extra savings, visit our promotions page for a campral coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
• Gas or constipation
• Headache or dizziness
• Insomnia or drowsiness
• Anxiety or depressed mood
• Itching or rash
• Muscle or joint pain
• Changes in libido

Serious but less common concerns include allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing problems), new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, and kidney problems. Discuss Campral side effects that persist or become severe with the prescriber. Campral interactions are limited because acamprosate is not metabolized by the liver. It can be used with naltrexone in many cases. It does not affect blood sugar; hypoglycemia is not a risk from Campral itself.

Onset Time

Some patients notice reduced alcohol cravings within 1–2 weeks as steady levels are reached. Clinical benefit may continue to build over several weeks. Many treatment plans set expectations for gradual change while focusing on daily supports and stability.

Compare With Alternatives

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and can reduce the rewarding effects of drinking and the urge to drink. It is available as a daily tablet or a monthly injection. Campral and naltrexone target different pathways and may be used together when appropriate.

Disulfiram creates an aversive reaction if alcohol is consumed. It helps highly motivated patients who prefer a deterrent approach. Unlike Campral, disulfiram does not reduce baseline cravings and requires strict alcohol avoidance, including hidden sources.

Off-label options such as topiramate or gabapentin may be considered in select cases, especially if other conditions are present. These have different side-effect profiles and monitoring needs.

Combination Therapy

• Behavioral therapies (motivational enhancement, CBT, mutual-support groups) alongside Campral improve outcomes.
• Campral and naltrexone: used together when cravings and reward mechanisms both need support.
• Campral with antidepressants: consider if co-occurring depression or anxiety is diagnosed.
• Campral with disulfiram: may be combined in selected patients under close supervision.
• Detox medications (e.g., benzodiazepines) address withdrawal first; Campral follows to maintain abstinence.
• Adjust other medications based on clinical response; Campral does not cause hypoglycemia.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with alcohol use disorder who have completed detox and are abstinent, and who can take medicine three times daily. Campral 333 mg alcohol maintenance therapy is helpful when cravings and sleep disturbance persist in early recovery.

Campral may not be suitable with severe renal impairment. Dose reductions are used for moderate impairment. It is generally acceptable in hepatic disease because metabolism is minimal. Those with depression or suicidal thoughts require close monitoring. Safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding is uncertain; the prescriber will weigh risks and benefits.

Campral is not available over the counter; a Campral prescription is required. Consider generic acamprosate to reduce cost. Multi-month orders can lower the per-month price, and occasional bulk promotions may be available. You can set gentle reorder reminders so refills are requested on time.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Campral (acamprosate calcium)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Acamprosate Calcium

DailyMed: Acamprosate Drug Labeling and Information

Order Campral® from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is educational and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about any questions regarding medications or conditions.