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Home > Drug Category > Multiple Sclerosis > Ampyra and Equivalent

Ampyra Information

Ampyra (Dalfampridine) is a potent potassium channel blocker used to improve walking ability in adults with multiple sclerosis. Clinical data demonstrate that its therapeutic success is measured by an increase in walking speed. It can be used at various stages of the disease, including relapsing-remitting, primary progressive, and secondary progressive forms, and it is frequently prescribed alongside standard disease-modifying therapies. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system destroys the protective myelin coating around nerve fibers. This damage exposes microscopic pores called potassium channels, causing a constant leak of potassium ions out of the nerve cell. This leakage drains the cell's electrical charge, weakening or stopping the signals that travel from the brain to the leg muscles. Dalfampridine works by physically blocking these exposed potassium channels. By plugging the pores, the medication stops the potassium leakage and stabilizes the nerve fiber's electrical charge. This allows the electrical signal to travel completely down the damaged nerve without fading, thereby improving muscle activation and increasing walking speed.

Ampyra Side Effects

This medication has a narrow therapeutic window, and as such, it can cause some side effects, especially if not used as prescribed. Some mild side effects of this medication include anxiety, back pain, constipation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, nausea, sore throat, spinning sensation, tremor, upset stomach, vomiting, and weakness or tiredness. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you notice the following side effects:
• Problems with balance or feeling unsteady;
• Signs of a urinary tract infection include difficulty or pain with urination and abdominal pain.
• Tingling, burning, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs;
• Worsening of trigeminal neuralgia (nerve pain in the face)

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice serious side effects such as:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Seizures

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Ampyra Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to dalfampridine or inactive ingredients in Ampyra or any other medication. Do not use this medication if you have a history of seizures or moderate-to-severe kidney disease. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Current or frequent urinary tract infection
• History of seizures or epilepsy;
• Mild kidney disease

This medication is not recommended for use in children. Some Organic Cation Transporter 2 medications, like cimetidine, can reduce the clearance of dalfampridine, leading to elevated systemic exposure and a subsequent increase in seizure risk. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal products and supplements, to determine whether they are safe to use with Ampyra.

There are no reliable clinical studies on dalfampridine in pregnant women. Animal data show fetal risk only at very high, maternally toxic doses. It should be used during pregnancy only if the therapeutic benefit justifies the unknown risk to the fetus. It is unknown if the drug passes into human breast milk, though it does transfer in animal models. Doctors recommend a case-by-case risk assessment that balances the benefits of breastfeeding against the mother's medical need for the medication. Store this medication at room temperature, in the original container, to protect it from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Ampyra?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Ampyra.