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Fampridine
Fampridine (INN), or dalfampridine (USAN), is a potassium channel blocker used in the symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis. Brand names include Fampyra[1] and Ampyra[2].
Theory
Fampridine, scientifically known as 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), belongs to the group of aminopyridines and, like its relative amifampridine, acts as a potassium channel blocker. Fampridine has two main ways of action: Firstly, by restoring conduction and thus, communication in demyelinated nerves in the peripheral nervous system, it improves walking ability in patients with MS [3][4]. Secondly, both fampridine and amifampridine increase the presynaptic action potential duration which results to an increase in neurotransmitter release into the neuromuscular junction, thereby improving muscle functioning[4].
Evidence
in a 2019 review, 20 randomized controlled trials (RCT) including 2616 patients were analyzed. The included studies were mostly of good to excellent quality, and assessed the effects of fampridine on different functionings. In the meta-analysis, fampridine was found to result in significant improvement in the measures walking short distances and perceived walking capacity. In contrast to this, its effects on muscle strength and walking medium distances were not significant and no effects could be concluded on higher-level cognitive functions or hand and arm use.[3]
Risks and safety
Fampridine has a narrow therapeutic window[4], in which it is considered safe and tolerable[3]. It is a potent convulsant[4] and therefore, should not be used in patients with a history of seizures or kidney problems[2].
See also
Other potential treatments seeking to improve muscle functioning are: Amifampridine/Firdapse and Pyridostigmine/Mestinon
Learn more
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/dalfampridine-ampyra
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-Aminopyridine
MayoClinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dalfampridine-oral-route/description/drg-20073957
References
- ↑ "Fampyra | European Medicines Agency (EMA)". www.ema.europa.eu. Retrieved June 26, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Dalfampridine (Ampyra): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD". www.webmd.com. Retrieved June 26, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Valet, Maxime; Quoilin, Mélanie; Lejeune, Thierry; Stoquart, Gaëtan; Van Pesch, Vincent; El Sankari, Souraya; Detrembleur, Christine; Warlop, Thibault (October 14, 2019). "Effects of Fampridine in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis". CNS Drugs. 33 (11): 1087–1099. doi:10.1007/s40263-019-00671-x. ISSN 1172-7047.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Judge, Susan I.V.; Bever Jr., Christopher T. (Jul, 2006). "Potassium channel blockers in multiple sclerosis: Neuronal Kv channels and effects of symptomatic treatment". Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 111 (1): 224–259. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.10.006. Retrieved Jul 01, 2026. Check date values in:
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