Ampyra: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Ampyra (dalfampridine) is a prescription potassium channel blocker used to improve mobility in adults with multiple sclerosis. However, it is not currently known whether Ampyra is safe or effective in children under 18 years of age. In this article, we will provide useful information for you to better understand the uses, indications and precautions when using Ampyra.

As noted above, Ampyra is a Potassium channel blocker used to improve mobility in people with multiple sclerosis. Ampyra can cause convulsions even if the user has never experienced these symptoms before. Taking too much dalfampridine can increase the risk of seizures. Kidney problems may also be experienced in people taking Ampyra to treat multiple sclerosis. Therefore, a kidney function test needs to be done before doctors decide whether to give Ampyra to a patient.
Stop using Ampyra and contact your doctor right away in case of seizures, pain or burning while urinating, balance problems, numbness, tingling, or recurrence of symptoms of multiple sclerosis .
High doses of dalfampridine may increase the risk of seizures. Therefore experts recommend not to take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period. Do not use crushed medicine. A crushed tablet can release too many ingredients at once.

2.1. Before using Ampyra Doctors advise patients not to use Ampyra if they are allergic to dalfampridine or if they have ever had one of the following symptoms:
Have had seizures caused by any of the following: any reason Patient has moderate to severe kidney disease Patient is also taking another form of this medicine from a semi-mix (such as farmpride, or 4-aminopyridine). Scientists have not yet proven whether Ampyra will harm an unborn baby. Therefore, mothers who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant who want to use Ampyra for any purpose need the consent of their doctors. In addition, doctors also recommend that mothers should not breast-feed while using dalfampridine. Ampyra is also not indicated for use by people under the age of 18.

2.2. How to use Ampyra Use Ampyra exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your medication label and read all medication instructions or leaflets before taking your medication. Use the medicine exactly as directed. High doses of dalfampridine may increase the risk of seizures in patients.
Before a patient starts treatment with dalfampridine, doctors may perform tests to check the patient's kidney function. The interval between each dose of Ampyra is usually 12 hours and do not take more than 2 tablets in a 24-hour period.
Swallow the tablet whole without crushing, chewing or breaking the capsule. Breaking the tablet into small pieces can cause too much of the drug to be released at once and may increase the risk of seizures. In addition, during the use of the drug, the patient's kidney function may need to be checked regularly to make sure there are no effects that could be dangerous to the patient's health.
The drug is stored at room temperature away from moisture and high temperature. Do not use expired medicine. The expiry date of the drug is indicated on the packaging.

2.3. Dosage of Ampyra The usual adult dose of multiple sclerosis to improve mobility in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been demonstrated by an increase in the walking level: Maximum dose is 10 mg orally every 12 hours. Ampyra can be taken before or after meals depending on the patient's condition. Tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be broken, crushed, chewed or dissolved. Patients should not take a double or extra dose if they miss a previous dose.
Ampyra overdose can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness. If you forget to take a dose, skip it and take your next dose as usual. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Like any other medicine, in addition to its beneficial effects, dalfampridine (the active ingredient in Ampyra) can cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects are possible, if they do occur, the person should seek immediate help from their doctor or healthcare provider.

Some common side effects that may occur when dalfampridine is used to treat multiple sclerosis in adults include:
Bladder pain Cloudy or bloody urine Difficulty urinating, burning sensation or pain Passing urinating more often than usual Back pain or cramping in your hips Some less common side effects that may occur when dalfampridine is used to treat multiple sclerosis in adults include:
Vision problems Tingling, numbness or pins-and-needles sensation Increased bowel and bladder movements Difficulty walking Feelings of restlessness, depression Affected memory Frequent muscle cramps Difficulty eating or drinking say Feeling unusually tired or weak

There are also a number of other side effects that scientists have not yet proven may be related to using Ampyra to treat multiple sclerosis, including:
Cough Dizziness Heart palpitations Rapidly Rash, itching, skin rash Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids, around the eyes, face, lips or tongue Chest tightness, trouble breathing Get medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms occur Which of the following overdoses with dalfampridine:
Confusion, mental instability Convulsions or seizures that do not stop Increased sweating Dementia Cognitive impairment Weakness, fatigue, even fainting.

Some side effects of dalfampridine can occur without the intervention of a doctor or healthcare professional. These side effects may go away during treatment as the patient's body adapts to the medication. In addition, treating doctors can tell patients about ways to prevent or minimize symptoms of some of these side effects.
Ampyra (dalfampridine) is a medication commonly used by patients with multiple sclerosis. The use of Ampyra, like any other medication, should be followed exactly as directed by your doctor. Note, keep Ampyra in particular and all other drugs in general out of reach of children, never share your medicine with others and only use Ampyra as directed and prescribed by your doctor. . It is important to consult with your doctor to ensure that you are using the right medicine, for the right disease, and to minimize unwanted side effects.

Reference source: Drugs.com