Dalfampridine
About Dalfampridine
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.
The active ingredient in Dalfampridine is dalfampridine, which works by increasing conduction or communication between neurons and muscles. It reinforces nerve impulses transmitted by the brain through nerves affected by multiple sclerosis.
Dalfampridine may cause 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, talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
If you are allergic or sensitive to any of the components in Dalfampridine, you should notify your doctor. Dalfampridine should be used in pregnancy only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
Uses of Dalfampridine
Medicinal Benefits
- Dalfampridine is used to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- It has scientifically demonstrated an increase in walking speed.
- The active ingredient in Dalfampridine is dalfampridine, a potassium channel blocker that improves muscular function in people with multiple sclerosis by increasing conduction between neurons and muscles.
- It works by reinforcing nerve impulses transmitted by the brain through nerves affected by multiple sclerosis.
- It also effectively alleviates the other symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Directions for Use
- Dalfampridine can be taken with or without food as advised by the doctor.
- Strictly follow your doctor's recommendations on the dosage and timing of this medication to achieve optimal results.
- Swallow Dalfampridine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Dalfampridine
- Urinary tract infection
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Indigestion
Drug Warnings
- If you are allergic or sensitive to any of the components in Dalfampridine, you should notify your doctor.
- Dalfampridine is not recommended if you have a history of seizures and moderate or severe renal impairment.
- This medicine is not recommended for nursing mothers.
- Dalfampridine should be used in pregnancy only if clinically needed, and the 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 (bupropion), painkiller medications (tramadol) and medicines used to help diagnose or find problems (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 improve 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 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.
Dalfampridine improves muscular function in persons with multiple sclerosis by increasing conduction or communication between neurons and muscles. It works by reinforcing 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.
