Dalfampridine
Also known as: fampridine
Dalfampridine (4-amino pyridine) is used to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. It acts by blocking potassium channels due to which conduction in focally demyelinated axons is increased because of which it enhances muscle contraction and thereby improves walking in patients
Primary Characteristics
Dalfampridine is also known as fampridine.
It belongs to 4-Amino Pyridine.
It belongs to Potassium Channel (ATP sensitive) antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action.
Molecular Weight: 94.12 · pKa: 9.17 · Non-proprietary name: Dalfampridine.
Pharmacokinetics
Distribution: Dalfampridine has a volume of distribution is 2.6 L. plasma protein binding is largely unbound to proteins (97%-99%).
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is 5.47 hr, renal excretion is 90% 0.5% of dose recovered in feces.
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Indications
Dalfampridine is primarily indicated in conditions like Multiple sclerosis.
Contraindications
Dalfampridine is contraindicated in conditions like Seizures, Renal impairment.
Dosage
Dalfampridine's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 10 – 10 mg | — | Every 12h | oral | Do not take more than two tablets in a 24 hr period.Take tablets whole .Do not crush , chew or dissolve tablets. The drug can be taken with or wothout food. Do not take the drug with other aminopyridine medications |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| No data. | ||||
Drug Interactions
None recorded.
Side Effects
Dalfampridine in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Seizures , Urinary tract infection , Dizziness .
Dalfampridine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Seizures , multiple sclerosis relapse. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Dalfampridine are altered mental state, Weakness , memory loss, Confusion , hypophonic speech, complex partial seizures, reduced awareness, Temporal lobe hyperintensities.
Dalfampridine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Asthenia , Ataxia, Back pain, balance disorder, Confusion, Constipation , Dizziness, Dyspepsia , Headache, Insomnia, Nasopharyngitis, Nausea, parasthesia, pharyngolaryngeal pain, Visual disturbances.
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
None recorded.