Dalfampridine
About
Dalfampridine belongs to a class of drugs known as potassium channel blockers primarily used to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis. It can be used alone or combined with other drugs to manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves (myelin) and causes disrupted communication between the brain and body.
The active ingredient in Dalfampridine is dalfampridine, a potassium channel blocker that improves muscular function in persons with multiple sclerosis by increasing conduction or communication between neurons and muscles. It works by re-enforcing nerve impulses transmitted by the brain through nerves affected by this disorder (Multiple sclerosis).
Dalfampridine should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. Dalfampridine may cause certain common side effects, including urinary tract infection, insomnia, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
If you are allergic or sensitive to any of its components, you should notify your doctor. Inform your doctor before taking Dalfampridine if you have a history of seizure and moderate or severe renal impairment. Dalfampridine should be used in pregnancy only if clinically needed, and benefits outweigh the risks. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine. Dalfampridine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Dalfampridine should not be given to patients younger than 18 years of age as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Dalfampridine
Medicinal Benefits
Dalfampridine is primarily indicated to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. Dalfampridine has scientifically demonstrated an increase in walking speed. The active ingredient in Dalfampridine is dalfampridine, a potassium channel blocker that improves muscular function in persons with multiple sclerosis by increasing conduction or communication between neurons and muscles. It works by re-enforcing nerve impulses transmitted by the brain through nerves affected by this disorder (Multiple sclerosis). It also effectively alleviates the other symptoms of multiple sclerosis as well.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dalfampridine
- Urinary tract infection
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To effectively treat your condition, continue using Dalfampridine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you are allergic or sensitive to any of its components, you should notify your doctor. Dalfampridine is not recommended to use if you have a history of seizure and moderate or severe renal impairment. Dalfampridine is not recommended for nursing mothers. Dalfampridine should be used in pregnancy only if clinically needed, and benefits outweigh the risks. To avoid drug interactions and side effects, keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all medications you are taking, including vaccinations. Dalfampridine causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Dalfampridine should not be given to patients younger than 18 years of age as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dalfampridine may interact with antidepressant medications (e.g. bupropion), painkiller medications (e.g. tramadol) and medicines used to help diagnose or find problems (e.g. iohexol, iopamidol, metrizamide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Consuming alcohol along with Dalfampridine is not advisable.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Dalfampridine is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Dalfampridine. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
cautionUS FDA pregnancy category C. Dalfampridine should be used only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk. Please consult your doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed whilst take this medicine.
Driving
cautionDalfampridine causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about the use of Dalfampridine in patients suffering from liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
unsafeDalfampridine is not recommended to take if you have moderate or severe kidney problems.
Children
unsafeDalfampridine should not be given to patients younger than 18 years of age as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a well-balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health.
- Meditation, music and yoga have also proven very effective in helping mental health.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid processed and fried food.
- Include leafy vegetables, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds, meat and fortified food in your diet.
Special Advise
Do not stop taking Dalfampridine or adjust your dose without doctor notice.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in symptoms such as problems with sensation, balance, vision, pain, impaired coordination, and fatigue. The immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves (myelin) and causes disrupted communication between the brain and body due to nerve damage.
FAQs
Dalfampridine improves muscular function in persons with multiple sclerosis by increasing conduction or communication between neurons and muscles. It works by re-enforcing nerve impulses transmitted by the brain through nerves affected by this disorder (Multiple sclerosis). Thus, it effectively alleviates the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Dalfampridine may aid in managing multiple sclerosis, but it will not cure it. Even if you feel better, keep taking Dalfampridine. Do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your doctor.
Not everyone suffering from multiple sclerosis will lose their ability to walk. In reality, two-thirds of multiple sclerosis patients can still walk. The symptoms may vary from person to person.
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but several treatments can help control the condition. Dalfampridine helps lower the number of relapses and slows down the progression of physical disabilities due to multiple sclerosis.
Dalfampridine is not recommended in patients with a history of seizures. Dalfampridine can cause seizures if you take extra doses, have kidney problems or if you are over 50years. Consult your doctor if you have seizures while taking Dalfampridine.
No, Dalfampridine is a medication prescribed by a doctor to treat or prevent specific medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Taking it on your own can result in adverse effects.
