Using dalfampridine, multiple sclerosis patients can walk more easily (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). It is possible to treat MS symptoms with dalfampridine alone or in combination with other drugs. The drug dalfampridine belongs to a group of drugs known as potassium channel blockers. It functions by enhancing the brain’s messages travelling via MS-damaged nerves.

An oral extended-release tablet for dalfampridine is available. It is often taken twice daily, with or without food. Dalfampridine should be taken at around the same times each day, spaced out so that you take one dose every 12 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Dalfampridine should be taken as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Do not chew, break, dissolve, or crush the pills; instead, swallow them whole.

Pharmacies do not carry dalfampridine. Dalfampridine is only available from a specialised pharmacy via mail order. If you have any concerns about receiving your medication, speak with your doctor.

As long as you continue taking dalfampridine, your walking may get better. You might not experience the full benefits of dalfampridine for up to 6 weeks. Dalfampridine should be taken even if you feel fine. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking dalfampridine.

You will get the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) from your doctor or pharmacist when you start taking dalfampridine and each time you refill your prescription. If you have any questions, carefully read the material and contact your doctor or pharmacist. The Medication Guide is also available on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking dalfampridine,

• If you have an allergy to dalfampridine, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, fampridine), any other medications, or any of the components in dalfampridine tablets, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. For a list of the ingredients, consult the Medication Guide or speak with your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Mention any other formulations of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, fampridine) that your pharmacist has created. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• If you have renal illness and have ever had a seizure, let your doctor know. Most likely, your doctor will advise against taking dalfampridine.
• If you’ve ever had an aberrant electroencephalogram, let your doctor know (EEG, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain).
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking dalfampridine.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Ignore the missed dose and carry on with my normal dosing routine. Dalfampridine should not be taken more than twice in a 24-hour period, and you shouldn’t take two doses to make up for one you missed.

Dalfampridine might have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Having trouble falling or staying asleep
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Back ache
• Problems with equilibrium
• Multiple Sclerosis symptoms getting worse
• Skin tingling, burning, or itching
• Nose or throat discomfort or irritability

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor or seek immediate emergency care if you have any of these symptoms:

• Seizures
• Unpleasant, challenging, or frequent urinating
• Cold or fever
• Back, side, or stomach discomfort

Other negative effects of dalfampridine are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose signs could include the following:

• Confusion
• Seizures
• Uncontrollable trembling in a bodily portion
• Sweating
• No memory
• Speaking issues
• Weakness

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To determine how well your body is responding to dalfampridine, your doctor will request specific lab tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.