dalfampridine ER
Ampyra (dalfampridine) is an oral medication that's used to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It comes as a tablet that's swallowed whole twice per day. Some side effects of Ampyra (dalfampridine) include urinary tract infections, having trouble falling asleep (insomnia), and dizziness. This medication is available as a brand name and a lower-cost generic.
What is Ampyra (dalfampridine)?
What is Ampyra (dalfampridine) used for?
- Improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS)
How Ampyra (dalfampridine) works
Ampyra (dalfampridine) is a potassium channel blocker. Potassium plays an important role in regulating nerve function in your body. In multiple sclerosis (MS), damaged nerves don't work well because too much potassium leaves the nerve cells through proteins called potassium channels.
It's not exactly known how Ampyra (dalfampridine) works to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). But it's thought that Ampyra (dalfampridine) helps damaged nerves work again by blocking potassium channels on these nerve cells.
Drug facts
Side effects of Ampyra (dalfampridine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Urinary tract infection (12%)
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping, 9%)
- Dizziness (7%)
- Headache (7%)
- Nausea (7%)
- Weakness or lack of energy (7%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Back pain
- Balance problems
- MS relapse
- Burning or prickling feeling in your hands and feet
- Runny nose or other common cold symptoms
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
Ampyra (dalfampridine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reactions: hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing
- Seizures
The following Ampyra (dalfampridine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bladder pain
bloody or cloudy urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
frequent urge to urinate
lower back or side pain
Less common
Blurred vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
difficulty walking
feeling sad or depressed
forgetful
muscle cramps
problems with swallowing
slurred speech
unusual tiredness or weakness
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Confusion
epileptic seizure that will not stop
increased sweating
memory loss
reduced awareness
seizures
weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Ampyra (dalfampridine)
Pros
- Currently the only FDA-approved medication proven to improve walking in adults with MS
- Can take with or without food
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Can cause seizures
- Not a good option for people with kidney problems because of higher risk of side effects
- Might not work for everyone
- Wasn't studied in children or adults ages 65 years and older
Pharmacist tips for Ampyra (dalfampridine)
- Take Ampyra (dalfampridine) twice per day about every 12 hours.
- You can take Ampyra (dalfampridine) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.
- Swallow Ampyra (dalfampridine) tablets whole. Don't split, crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets. If you're having trouble swallowing the tablets, contact your provider.
- Make sure you know how Ampyra (dalfampridine) affects you before driving or doing anything that requires your full attention. This medication can make you feel dizzy.
- Let your provider know if you're taking cimetidine (Tagamet HB), an over-the-counter heartburn medication, because it interacts with Ampyra (dalfampridine). This combination of medications can raise your risk of seizures.
Common questions about Ampyra (dalfampridine)
In clinical studies looking at how well the medication works, people with MS who took Ampyra (dalfampridine) had an average 25% improvement in their walking speed after about 2 to 3 months of treatment. Additionally, a 2021 study suggested that Ampyra (dalfampridine) treatment might help improve walking, finger dexterity, and brain function in people with MS. If you're taking Ampyra (dalfampridine), make sure to follow up with your provider regularly to discuss how well the medication is working for you. Keep in mind that each person who takes Ampyra (dalfampridine) can have a different experience with the medication.
In clinical studies, people taking Ampyra (dalfampridine) noticed improvement in their walking ability within 2 to 6 weeks. But each person can respond differently to Ampyra (dalfampridine). If you're not sure whether Ampyra (dalfampridine) is helping with your MS, contact your provider.
No, Ampyra (dalfampridine) isn't a DMT and won't prevent relapses and worsening MS. Ampyra (dalfampridine) is only meant to improve walking difficulties in people with MS. Since DMTs and Ampyra (dalfampridine) help with different aspects of MS, providers might recommend symptomatic treatment like Ampyra (dalfampridine) in addition to a DMT.
No, Ampyra (dalfampridine) isn't an immunosuppressant that weakens your immune system. Immunosuppressant medications used for MS are typically considered disease modifying therapies (DMTs) that help prevent relapses and slow down the worsening of MS. On the other hand, Ampyra (dalfampridine) doesn't affect the immune system. It's considered symptomatic treatment since it can help people with MS walk better.
Talk to your provider if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Ampyra (dalfampridine). There's not enough information to know for sure whether Ampyra (dalfampridine) is safe to take while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. In animal studies, babies born to mothers exposed to the medication during pregnancy were harmed. Additionally, there isn't any information on Ampyra (dalfampridine) use while breastfeeding. Speak with your provider to make sure you're taking medications for MS that are safe for you and your baby.
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Risks and warnings for Ampyra (dalfampridine)
Ampyra (dalfampridine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking more than 10 mg of Ampyra (dalfampridine) twice daily
Ampyra (dalfampridine) can cause seizures, even if you've never had a seizure before. Seizures can happen within a few days to weeks after starting the medication. Let your provider know if you've had a seizure before or have a medical condition that raises your risk for seizures. Seek medical help right away if you have a seizure. You probably won't be able to continue Ampyra (dalfampridine) treatment if a seizure happens.
Higher risk of side effects in people with kidney problems
- Risk factors: Current kidney problems
Your body gets rid of Ampyra (dalfampridine) from your system through your kidneys. If your kidneys aren't working well enough, Ampyra (dalfampridine) can build up in your system and raise your risk of side effects (e.g., seizures). It's not possible to lower the dose of Ampyra (dalfampridine) from 10 mg to lower this risk in people with kidney problems. For this reason, you shouldn't use Ampyra (dalfampridine) if you have kidney problems.
Severe allergic reaction
Severe allergic reactions to Ampyra (dalfampridine) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like mouth or facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Ampyra (dalfampridine), stop taking the medication and get medical attention right away.
Ampyra (dalfampridine) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg | 60 tablets | $36.94 | $0.62 |
Typical dosage for Ampyra (dalfampridine)
The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth twice daily (about 12 hours apart).
Interactions between Ampyra (dalfampridine) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Dolutegravir
- Lacosamide
- Trilaciclib
How much does Ampyra (dalfampridine) cost?
$36.94
Ampyra (dalfampridine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ampyra (dalfampridine) will not be safe for you to take.
- History of seizure
- Moderate or severe kidney problems
Ampyra (dalfampridine) images
