ATC Group: N07BB Drugs used in alcohol dependence

Acamprosate has a chemical structure similar to that of amino acid neuromediators, such as taurine or gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), including an acetylation to permit passage across the blood brain barrier. Acamprosate may act by stimulating GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and antagonising excitatory aminoacids, particularly glutamate. It is indicated as therapy to maintain abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients.

Disulfiram is an inhibitor of numerous enzymes. Disulfiram is used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism.

Nalmefene is an opioid system modulator with a distinct μ, δ, and κ receptor profile. Nalmefene is indicated for the reduction of alcohol consumption in adult patients with alcohol dependence, without physical withdrawal symptoms and who do not require immediate detoxification.

Naltrexone is an orally used, long acting specific opioid antagonist. Naltrexone binds competitively to receptors which are located in the central and peripheral nervous system and hence blocks the access for exogenously administered opioids.