Dalfampridine is used to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Dalfampridine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use dalfampridine if you are allergic to it, or if you have moderate to severe kidney disease, if you have ever had a seizure (convulsions), or if you are also taking another multiple sclerosis drug called Fampridine.
Before you take dalfampridine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
High doses of dalfampridine may increase your risk of seizure. Do not take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period. Do not use a tablet that has been broken or crushed. A broken tablet can release too much of the drug at one time.
Stop taking dalfampridine and call your doctor at once if you a seizure, pain or burning when you urinate, problems with your balance, numbness or tingly feeling, or a relapse of your MS symptoms.
You should not use dalfampridine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- moderate to severe kidney disease;
- if you have ever had a seizure (convulsions); or
- if you are also taking another MS drug called Fampridine (4-aminopyridine).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dalfampridine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication..
It is not known whether dalfampridine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using dalfampridine.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Dalfampridine Side Effects
Stop taking dalfampridine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- seizure (convulsions);
- pain or burning when you urinate;
- problems with balance;
- numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling;
- relapse or worsening of MS symptoms;
- headache, dizziness;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- nausea, constipation, upset stomach;
- weakness;
- stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat; or
- back pain.
Dalfampridine Interactions
There may be other drugs that can interact with dalfampridine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Dalfampridine Dosage
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. High doses of dalfampridine may increase your risk of seizure. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Dalfampridine is usually taken once every 12 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
Dalfampridine may be taken with or without food.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Do not dissolve the tablet in liquid. Breaking or dissolving the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Do not use a dalfampridine tablet that has been accidentally crushed or broken. This can increase your risk of having a seizure.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function may need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Throw away any leftover medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose can cause confusion, problems with thinking or memory, tremors, sweating, or seizures.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
