
What condition does Amifampridine treat?
Amifampridine is recommended to treat Lambert-Eaton syndrome. It is an illness that affects the muscles and nerves. It attacks the body’s tissues and inhibits the capacity of nerve cells to conduct signals to muscle cells. This illness causes muscle weakness.
This medicine helps decrease certain symptoms of muscle weakness. It may also help lessen the loss of movement triggered by Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Amifampridine is a broad spectrum of potassium channel blockers. This comes as a tablet for oral administration. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved his medication in 2018.
How does Amifampridine work?
For muscles to bond, nerves have to transfer electrical impulses to the muscles. It is particularly through a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. It is released from the nerve endings during a period of depolarisation which refers to a sudden change in membrane potential.
Amifampridine prevents charged potassium particles from leaving the nerve cells. It delays the period of depolarisation, allowing more time for the nerves to release acetylcholine. By that, it stimulates the muscles to contract.
What is the recommended dosage for Amifampridine?
The dose of this medication will be different for different patients. Follow the directions given by your doctor. This information includes only the usual dosages of this drug. If your dosage is different, you should not change it unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Amifampridine is to be taken by mouth usually 3 to 4 times a day. You may take it with or without food. Take it with a full glass of water. Swallow the tablet as a whole do not chew or break it. Do not take more than two tablets at one time. Do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours.
Remember to take it at the same time each day. Continue taking the tablet until the prescription is finished. Stopping the medication suddenly may result in a return of the infection. If you missed a dose, call your doctor for instructions. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What are the side effects of Amifampridine?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Back pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle spasms
- Constipation
- Numbness and tingling
What are the precautions in taking Amifampridine?
- Before having this medicine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This medication may contain an inactive ingredient that may cause an allergic reaction.
- Do not share this medicine with others who have the same symptoms as yours.
- This medicine may not be prescribed for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This should only be taken when needed.
- Do not take other medications unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes non-prescription or prescription medicines, herbal products, or vitamin supplements.
- Avoid driving or using any machinery. This drug may make you feel dizzy.
- This drug may increase your risk for seizures and must not be given to patients who have had seizures.
- Keep this at a dry and clean place away from the heat and moisture.