 is a prescription medication used to improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Ampyra belongs to a group of drugs called potassium channel blockers, which strengthen nerve signals in the brain harmed by MS.This medication comes in tablet form and is taken twice daily, with or without food.Common side effects of Ampyra include difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, and nausea. "Pin It")
Ampyra Overview
Ampyra (generic: dalfampridine) is a prescription medication used to improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Ampyra belongs to a group of drugs called potassium channel blockers, which strengthen nerve signals in the brain harmed by MS.
This medication comes in tablet form and is taken twice daily, with or without food.
Common side effects of Ampyra include difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, and nausea.
Uses of Ampyra
Ampyra is a prescription medicine used to help improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Ampyra has been shown to increase walking speed in people with MS.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Ampyra
Ampyra may cause serious side effects, including:
- Kidney or bladder infections.
- Ampyra can cause seizures. See "Drug Precautions".
- Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions
The most common side effects of Ampyra include:
- urinary tract infection
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- weakness
- back pain
- problems with balance
- multiple sclerosis relapse
- burning, tingling or itching of your skin
- irritation in your nose and throat
- constipation
- indigestion
- pain in your throat
This is not a complete list of Ampyra side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Ampyra Interactions
No drug interactions have been identified with Ampyra but always tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking compounded 4-aminopyridine (fampridine, 4-AP).
Ampyra Precautions
Ampyra can cause seizures.
- You could have a seizure even if you never had a seizure before.
- Your chance of having a seizure is higher if you take too much Ampyra or if your kidneys have a mild decrease of function, which is common after age 50.
- Your doctor may do a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working, if that is not known before you start taking Ampyra.
- Do not take Ampyra if you have ever had a seizure.
- Before taking Ampyra tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
- Take Ampyra exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Stop taking Ampyra and call your doctor right away if you have a seizure while taking Ampyra.
Do not take Ampyra if you:
- have ever had a seizure
- have certain types of kidney problems
Ampyra Food Interactions
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Ampyra there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Ampyra.
Inform MD
Before you receive Ampyra, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you have ever had a seizure.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Ampyra and Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Ampyra will harm your unborn baby.
Ampyra and Lactation
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ampyra is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.
Ampyra Usage
Ampyra comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth with or without food. It is usually taken 2 times each day about 12 hours apart. Ampyra tablets should be taken whole. Do not break, crush, chew or dissolve Ampyra tablets.
If you miss a dose of Ampyra, do not make up the missed dose. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.
Ampyra Dosage
Take Ampyra exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
The maximum recommended dose of Ampyra is one 10 mg tablet twice daily, taken with or without food, and should not be exceeded. Doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart. You should not take double or extra doses if a dose is missed.
Ampyra Overdose
If you take too much Ampyra, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.
Forms of Ampyra
Ampyra is available in a 10 mg strength tablet.
Active ingredient: dalfampridine (previously called fampridine)
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.
Other Requirements
- Store Ampyra at 59ºF to 86ºF (15ºC to 30ºC).
- Safely throw away Ampyra that is out of date or no longer needed.
Keep Ampyra and all medicines out of the reach of children.
