Two medicines, side by side
Acamprosate vs baclofen
Acamprosate is labeled for alcohol use disorder; baclofen for muscle spasms and spasticity. Their labels share no use, so they are not alternatives to each other. Drugs@FDA records approvals of acamprosate since 2004 and of baclofen since 1977. Pharmacies paid $0.589 per acamprosate calc DR 333 mg tablet and $0.032 per baclofen 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the acamprosate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 14, 2026); the baclofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 12, 2024).
Highlights of the acamprosate record
Acamprosate (Campral) · label of July 14, 2026
Used for
From the label: indicationsAcamprosate calcium is indicated for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation. Treatment with acamprosate calcium should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- July 29, 2004
- Generic labelers
- 10 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.589 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 1
Highlights of the baclofen record
Baclofen (Gablofen) · label of August 12, 2024
Used for
From the label: indicationsBaclofen tablets USP are useful for the alleviation of signs and symptoms of spasticity resulting from multiple sclerosis, particularly for the relief of flexor spasms and concomitant pain, clonus, and muscular rigidity. Patients should have reversible spasticity so that baclofen treatment will aid in restoring residual function. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- November 22, 1977
- Generic labelers
- 55 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.032 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 3
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Acamprosate label of July 14, 2026, Baclofen label of August 12, 2024); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do acamprosate and baclofen differ on the record?
Generics: acamprosate since 2013; baclofen since 1988 (Drugs@FDA).
| Acamprosate | Baclofen | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Alcohol use disorder | Muscle spasms and spasticity |
| Pharmacologic class | n/a | gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-ergic Agonist |
| How it works (label) | The mechanism of action of acamprosate in maintenance of alcohol abstinence is not completely understood. Chronic alcohol exposure is hypothesized to alter the normal balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | Elimination After oral dosing of 2 x 333 mg of acamprosate calcium, the terminal half-life ranges from approximately 20 to 33 hours. | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | July 29, 2004 | November 22, 1977 |
| First generic approved | July 16, 2013 | July 21, 1988 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 10 labelers | 55 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.589 per tablet (Acamprosate calc DR 333 mg tablet) | $0.032 per tablet (Baclofen 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -1% | -12% |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 1 | 3 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 322 | 88,351 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Alternatives to acamprosate
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions