Acamprosate for the adjunctive treatment of alcohol dependence.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature related to the treatment of alcohol dependence with acamprosate, a synthetic compound structurally similar to the naturally occurring amino acid, homotaurine.


METHODS
Primary literature and review articles were identified by MEDLINE search (1966-June 2003). Abstracts from recent meetings were also reviewed.


RESULTS
Acamprosate has been marketed in 24 countries. Although the precise mechanism of acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients is unclear, it may restore the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. European trials have shown consistent increases in abstinence rates compared with placebo when acamprosate use was paired with appropriate psychosocial and behavioral therapies. Decreased direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with acamprosate treatment have also been reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Acamprosate is a promising medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence in the US.
Overman
Gerald P
GP
Clinical Center Pharmacy Department, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892-1196, USA. goverman@cc.nih.gov
Teter
Christian J
CJ
Guthrie
Sally K
SK
D000077443:Acamprosate; D000427:Alcohol Deterrents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001702:Biopharmaceutics; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D017277:Drug Approval; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D013654:Taurine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000191:economics* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000427:Alcohol Deterrents; D013654:Taurine; D000077443:Acamprosate