What is Dalfampridine?
Dalfampridine is an oral medicine used to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis MS.
It is a potassium channel blocker.
MS is a condition in which a patient feels numbness, weakness, blurry vision, problem with bladder control and loss of muscle coordination.
Basically, nerves do not function properly. Dalfampridine helps patient get relief from this disease.
It helps strengthen the signal sent by the brain through nerves that are damaged by MS.
This medicine can be prescribed as one or with other medicine as well.
What are the common conditions in which Dalfampridine prescribed?
Dalfampridine is prescribed to a person suffering from muscle sclerosis which is a condition where it causes loss of muscle coordination and poor bladder control.
How should I take Dalfampridine?
Dalfampridine is given as an extended release tablet to be taken by mouth.
Your doctor might conduct some tests before prescribing you this medicine. This is to check whether your kidney is in good condition and functions well or not.
Dalfampridine can be taken with or without food.
It is usually taken twice a day.
Take the medicine on the same time every day. Take the dose on a time interval of every 12 hours.
Do not crush, break or chew the pill. Swallow it whole with plenty of water.
Keep the medicine away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Store it in a cool and dry area.
Keep it out of reach of children under age of 3.
Take care of not consuming an expired or already opened medicine. Do not keep the medicine in open for long.
You might need regular check up for you kidney.
Take the medicine as directed by your medical expert. Do not change the dose as per your own will.
You will recieve a guideline plate along with the medicine. Read it carefully and abide by it.
Complete you dose of Dalfampridine. Even if you feel that you are better, do complete your dose.
Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
When you should not take Dalfampridine?
A patient should avoid taking this medicine if they are allergic to it.
People suffering from kidney problems or seizure should also avoid taking this medicine as well.
It is not known yet if the medicine is harmful for newborn and unborn children. Therfore, consult your doctor about taking this medicine when you are pregnant.
You should throughly consult your doctor about your medical history and medicines you are currently taking.
Breastfeeding newborn might not be advisable as the medicines can be passed on to the child which may create dangerous medical condition for them.
Consult your doctor before planning pregnancy during the medication.
Anyone under the age of 18 should not use Dalfampridine.
What are the possible side effects of Dalfampridine?
First of all, check if you are allergic to the drug.
Symptoms of an allergy may include:
- Hives
- Breathing trouble
- Swelling in certain parts of the body
A major side effect of using Dalfampridine can be seizure.
Other such alarming side effects which require medical attention are
- Numbness
- Relapses
- Burning urination
- Pain
- Problem with balance
Some common side effects include:
- Weakness
- Insomania
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sore throat
This is not a complete list of side effects of this drug. If you notice anything unsual in your body, consult your codcotr immediately.
What to do if I miss the dose?
If you happen to miss the dose, skip the missed dose. Do not try to take missed dose near the time of second dose.
This might cause overdosing which is poisonous for your health.
Common Drug Interaction with Dalfampridine.
Let your doctor know about the other medicines you are using.
Vitamin, suppliments and herbal medicines can interact with Dafampridine.
Cimetidine is most likely to interact with this drug.
Drug to drug interaction can cause meedicne to slow down, be ineffective or can even yeild harmful effects.
Be cautious of the medicines you use together.
Bottom Line
Dalfampridine is used to treat multiple sclerosis that causes weakness, numbness, blurry vision and problem with muscle coordination.
It is important to take the medicine reularly on time.
Do not overdose the medicine. Take the dose on fixed time everyday.
Consult your doctor immediatly for any side effects.
