Dalfampridine (By mouth)
dal-FAM-pri-deen
Helps improve walking in patients who have multiple sclerosis.
Drug classes
Central Nervous System Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Dalfampridine is used to help improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. This medicine is a potassium channel blocker.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Long Acting Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Wait about 12 hours between each dose. This medicine works best if you take it at evenly spaced times.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the next regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Never take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how dalfampridine works. Do not take dalfampridine together with a similar medicine such as fampridine because it increases your risk of side effects.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dalfampridine or 4-aminopyridine, or if you have moderate or severe kidney disease or a history of seizures.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Seizures Urinary tract infectionsYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bloody or cloudy urine
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Pain when you urinate or trouble urinating
Seizures
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Trouble sleeping
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ampyra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.