dalfampridine (dal-fam-pri-deen) Ampyra, Fampyra

 Indications

Treatment of mutiple sclerosis, to improve walking

speed.

Action

Acts as a potassium channel blocker, which may increase

conduction of action potentials. Therapeutic

Effects: Increased walking speed in patients with multiple

sclerosis.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed

(96%).

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: 96% eliminated in

urine, 0.5% in feces.

Half-life: 5.2–6.5 hr. 

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (improvement in

walking speed)

ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION

PO unknown 3–4 hr 24 hr

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; History of

seizures; Moderate/severe renal impairment (CCr 50

mL/min)(qrisk of seizures); Lactation: Avoid use.

Use Cautiously in: Mild renal impairment (CCr

51–80 mL/min) (qrisk of seizures); Geri: Consider

age-relatedpin renal function; OB: Use only if potential

benefit justifies potential risk to fetus; Pedi: Safety and

effectiveness not established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: SEIZURES, dizziness, headache, insomnia, weakness.

EENT: nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain.

GI: constipation, dyspepsia, nausea. GU: urinary tract

infection. MS: back pain. Neuro: balance disorder,

multiple sclerosis relapse, paresthesia. Misc: ANAPHYLAXIS.

Interactions

Drug-Drug: None noted.

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): 10 mg twice daily.

Availability (generic available)

Extended-release tablets: 10 mg.