[Acamprosate--a novel treatment for alcoholism].

The properties of acamprosate (calcium acetylhomotaurate), a new remedy for the treatment of alcoholism, are reviewed. The efficacy of this drug has been verified by numerous clinical tests in West Europe. The pharmacological activity of acamprosate is related to the drug action upon central neuromediator systems. No side or addiction effects of the drug were reported. Data on the clinical and pharmacological characteristics of acamprosate are summarized.