Acamprosate calcium Campral
Nursing Considerations
• Acamprosate should start as soon as possible
after patient has undergone alcohol
withdrawal and achieved abstinence.
• Continue to give acamprosate even during
periods of alcohol relapse.
PATIENT TEACHING
• Instruct patient to take acamprosate exactly
as prescribed, even if a relapse occurs,
and to seek help for a relapse.
•Warn patient that acamprosate won’t
reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal if
relapse occurs followed by cessation.
• Urge caregivers to monitor patient for evidence
of depression (lack of appetite or
interest in life, fatigue, excessive sleeping,
difficulty concentrating) or suicidal tendencies
because a small number of
patients taking acamprosate have attempted
suicide.
• Advise patient to use caution when performing
hazardous activities until adverse
CNS effects of drug are known.
• Tell female patient to notify prescriber if
she is or intends to become pregnant while
taking acamprosate; the drug may need to
be stopped because fetal risks are
unknown.
