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Synonyms: Campral®
acamprosate is an approved drug (FDA (2004))
Compound class:
Synthetic organic
Comment: Acamprosate is a NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist and a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors.
Marketed formulations contain acamprosate calcium (PubChem CID 155434). View more information in the IUPHAR Pharmacology Education Project: acamprosate |
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| No information available. |
Summary of Clinical Use ![]() |
| Used alongside behavioural therapy to maintain alcohol abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients. In 2014, the European Medicines Agency granted this drug orphan designation for the treatment of fragile X syndrome [2-3]. A Phase 2/III clinical trial for this indication is underway (NCT01911455). Another Phase 2/III clinical trial is recruiting patients to evaluate any benefit from acamprosate in autism disorder (NCT01813318). |
Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects ![]() |
| This drug acts as an antagonist of NMDA glutamate receptors and as a positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors. The glutaminergic hypothesis links this neurotransmitter system to alcohol dependence and withdrawal [1]. In addition, cortical and limbic arousal (sympathetic activation) levels are believed to be upregulated during alcohol withdrawal, as a 'bounce-back' response to alcohol-induced down-regulation of GABAA receptors. Acamprosate-potentiated GABAA activity helps to inhibit this elevated arousal. These two mechanisms appear to act together to provide the clinical benefits observed with use of this drug. |
| Clinical Trials | |||||
| Clinical Trial ID | Title | Type | Source | Comment | References |
| NCT01813318 | Study of Acamprosate in Autism | Phase 2/Phase 3 Interventional | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati | ||
| NCT01911455 | Study of Acamprosate in Fragile x Syndrome | Phase 2/Phase 3 Interventional | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati | ||
External links ![]() |
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For extended ADME data see the following: Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC) Drugs.com |