Dalfampridine is used to improve walking in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and may cause weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). Dalfampridine may be used alone or with other medications that control the symptoms of MS. Dalfampridine is in a class of medications called potassium channel blockers. It works by strengthening the signals sent by the brain through nerves that have been damaged by MS.
Summary from MedlinePlus.gov, click for more information.
Originally published in eMS News February 4, 2010:
The highly anticipated FDA approval of Ampyra (commonly known as fampridine) was announced on Friday, January 22, 2010. The first MS-specific treatment to be approved by the FDA since 2004, and the first ever oral therapy, Ampyra primarily helps people who have trouble walking.
The approved 10 mg extended-release tablets, given twice a day, will be available on the market in March. In early February, producers of Ampyra announced that the medication will cost $1,056 for a 30-day supply (60 pills), totaling $12,850 annually.
Ampyra is a selective neuronal potassium (K+) that blocks potassium channels on the surface of nerve fibers. The idea is that by blocking these channels, the conduction of nerve signals is improved, in spite of the myelin damage that characterizes MS. The improved nerve communication facilitates vital nerve connections that are necessary for mobility. As such, the therapy was developed as an add-on symptomatic treatment option to help improve walking. It is not intended to replace standard disease modifying therapies.
With the approval of Ampyra, patients should take stock of the therapy’s possible risks. The most significant risk is the development of seizures. In studies leading up to the therapy’s approval, seizure risk appeared to correlate with the dosage—higher dosage resulted in higher risk of developing seizures. Other study risks reported included urinary tract infections, insomnia, nausea, dizziness and headache.