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Generic Name: dalfampridine (dal FAM pri deen)
Brand Names: Ampyra
What is dalfampridine?
Dalfampridine is a potassium channel blocker.
Dalfampridine is used to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dalfampridine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about dalfampridine?
You should not use dalfampridine if you are allergic to it, or if you have moderate to severe kidney disease, if you have ever had a seizure (convulsions), or if you are also taking another multiple sclerosis drug called Fampridine.
Before you take dalfampridine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Do not take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period. Do not use a tablet that has been broken or crushed. A broken tablet can release too much of the drug at one time. This can increase your risk of having a seizure. Stop taking dalfampridine and call your doctor at once if you a seizure, pain or burning when you urinate, problems with your balance, numbness or tingly feeling, or a relapse of your MS symptoms.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking dalfampridine?
You should not use dalfampridine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
moderate to severe kidney disease;
if you have ever had a seizure (convulsions); or
if you are also taking another MS drug called Fampridine (4-aminopyridine).
To make sure you can safely take dalfampridine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dalfampridine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.. It is not known whether dalfampridine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using dalfampridine. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
How should I take dalfampridine?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Dalfampridine is usually taken once every 12 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
Dalfampridine may be taken with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Do not dissolve the tablet in liquid. Breaking or dissolving the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Do not use a dalfampridine tablet that has been accidentally crushed or broken. This can increase your risk of having a seizure. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Throw away any leftover medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed.
See also: Ampyra dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose can cause confusion, problems with thinking or memory, tremors, sweating, or seizures.
What should I avoid while taking dalfampridine?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dalfampridine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking dalfampridine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
seizure (convulsions);
pain or burning when you urinate;
problems with balance;
numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling;
relapse or worsening of MS symptoms;
Less serious side effects may include:
headache, dizziness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
nausea, constipation, upset stomach;
weakness;
stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat; or
back pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect dalfampridine?
There may be other drugs that can interact with dalfampridine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Ampyra resources
Ampyra Side Effects (in more detail)Ampyra DosageAmpyra Use in Pregnancy & BreastfeedingAmpyra Drug InteractionsAmpyra Support Group17 Reviews for Ampyra - Add your own review/rating
Ampyra Prescribing Information (FDA)
Ampyra Monograph (AHFS DI)
Ampyra Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Ampyra Consumer Overview
Ampyra MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Dalfampridine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Ampyra with other medications
Multiple Sclerosis
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about dalfampridine.
See also: Ampyra side effects (in more detail)
Ampyra
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