Dalfampridine (By mouth)
Dalfampridine (dal-FAM-pri-deen)
Improves walking in patients who have multiple sclerosis.
Brand Name(s):
Ampyra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dalfampridine or similar medicines, or if you have moderate or severe kidney disease or a history of seizures.How to Use This Medicine:
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. Do not take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
- Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Also, do not dissolve the medicine. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, tell your doctor.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do not take dalfampridine together with other forms of 4-aminopyridine (including 4-AP, fampridine).
- Some medicines can affect how dalfampridine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking cimetidine.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
- This medicine may increase the risk of seizures.
- This medicine may make you dizzy, lightheaded, or feel a constant movement of self or surroundings. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Your 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 While Using This Medicine:
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, lower back or side pain, difficult or painful urination
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Seizures
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Back pain
- Constipation, nausea, stomach upset
- Dizziness, headache
- Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
- Trouble sleeping
- Weakness, problems with balance
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
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
