Last reviewed · How we verify
acamprosate (Campral)
acamprosate (Campral) is a NMDA receptor modulator Small molecule drug developed by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. It is currently FDA-approved for Maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients. Also known as: Acamprosate(Campral), Acamprosate, campral, alcohol dependence medication.
Acamprosate modulates glutamate and GABA neurotransmission to restore neurochemical balance disrupted by chronic alcohol use.
Acamprosate modulates glutamate and GABA neurotransmission to restore neurochemical balance disrupted by chronic alcohol use. Used for Maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | acamprosate (Campral) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Acamprosate(Campral), Acamprosate, campral, alcohol dependence medication |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill |
| Drug class | NMDA receptor modulator |
| Target | NMDA receptor (glutamate); GABA system |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Addiction Medicine |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Acamprosate is believed to act as a weak antagonist at NMDA receptors and may enhance GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission, helping to normalize the hyperexcitable state of the central nervous system that develops during alcohol dependence. By restoring glutamate-GABA balance, it reduces cravings and protects against relapse in alcohol-dependent patients who have achieved abstinence.
Approved indications
- Maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients
Common side effects
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Asthenia/weakness
- Anxiety
Key clinical trials
- Acamprosate in C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Expansion Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ACALS) (PHASE1)
- Temporally-Resolved Electrophysiology of Acamprosate Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (PHASE4)
- Integrated Therapies for Alcohol Use in Alcohol-associated Liver Disease (ITAALD) Trial (PHASE2)
- Combining a Smartphone App With Medications to Manage Heavy Drinking (NA)
- Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacometabolomics of Acamprosate Treatment Outcome (PHASE4)
- Acamprosate and Methazolamide for Essential Tremor (PHASE2)
- Safety of Acamprosate in Treating Alcohol Use Disorder in the Post Liver Transplant Populations (PHASE2)
- Investigation of the Efficacy of Acamprosate and Calcium in Comparison to Placebo as Validation of a Behavioural Test for Alcohol Dependence (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- acamprosate (Campral) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- acamprosate (Campral) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about acamprosate (Campral)
What is acamprosate (Campral)?
How does acamprosate (Campral) work?
What is acamprosate (Campral) used for?
Who makes acamprosate (Campral)?
Is acamprosate (Campral) also known as anything else?
What drug class is acamprosate (Campral) in?
What development phase is acamprosate (Campral) in?
What are the side effects of acamprosate (Campral)?
What does acamprosate (Campral) target?
Related
- Drug class: All NMDA receptor modulator drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting NMDA receptor (glutamate); GABA system
- Manufacturer: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Psychiatry / Addiction Medicine
- Indication: Drugs for Maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients
- Also known as: Acamprosate(Campral), Acamprosate, campral, alcohol dependence medication
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing