[Meta-analysis of pharmacological therapy with acamprosate, naltrexone, and disulfiram--a systematic review].

The meta-analysis is based on 16 randomized controlled trials of acamprosate, 18 of naltrexone and 7 of disulfiram. Acamprosate and naltrexone were 52% (RR = 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-1,72) and 27% (RR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1,06-1,52) better than placebo when it came to supporting continuous abstinence. Acamprosate increased the total number of abstinence days with 14% (MD = 14.02; 95% CI: 9.57-18.47). Disulfiram appeared to be effective only when the intake was supervised. Based on the amount of scientific evidence, acamprosate and naltrexone therapy should be increased in clinical practice in the treatment of alcoholism.