Side Effects of dalfampridine: A Synthesis of Findings from 11 Studies

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This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Dalfampridine has shown potential effectiveness in treating downbeat nystagmus. 9 reported that in 10 patients who received dalfampridine, their eye movements improved, and their vision also enhanced. 9 also reported that side effects of dalfampridine were rare, and most patients did not experience any side effects. 9 is an observational study targeting downbeat nystagmus and needs comparison with studies targeting multiple sclerosis. 10 and 6 indicated that dalfampridine is effective as a treatment for walking difficulties caused by multiple sclerosis. 3 showed that dalfampridine improved walking speed by an average of 25% in one-third of individuals with multiple sclerosis, regardless of the disease stage. 3 indicated that dalfampridine is a drug that aims to enhance neural transmission and helps improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. 7 suggests that dalfampridine offers new possibilities in terms of safety and efficacy as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. 11 showed that dalfampridine is effective in improving walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis. 11 also indicated that dalfampridine may help improve daily activities in patients with multiple sclerosis. 4 suggests that dalfampridine offers the possibility of a new treatment paradigm for multiple sclerosis. 5 indicated that dalfampridine is effective in treating walking difficulties caused by multiple sclerosis. 8 suggests that dalfampridine may be effective as a treatment for walking difficulties caused by Parkinson's disease. showed that dalfampridine is associated with the new occurrence or reoccurrence of positive sensory symptoms in MS. 2 indicated that dalfampridine may cause seizures even in patients without a history of seizures or kidney disease.

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of dalfampridine are thought to be primarily due to its impact on the nervous system. 3 lists seizures as a side effect of dalfampridine. 3 indicated that seizures occur more frequently at high serum concentrations. 3 indicates that the exact mechanism of action of dalfampridine is unknown, but it is believed to work by inhibiting neural transmission. 4 lists opportunistic infections, emergent malignancies, and other systemic consequences of immunosuppression as possible side effects of dalfampridine. 5 lists urinary tract infections, insomnia, headache, asthenia, dizziness, back pain, and paresthesias as side effects of dalfampridine.

Common Side Effects

Seizures

Dalfampridine may cause seizures. 3 lists seizures as a side effect of dalfampridine. 3 indicated that seizures occur more frequently at high serum concentrations. 2 indicated that dalfampridine may cause seizures even in patients without a history of seizures or kidney disease. If a seizure occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor. 3 suggests that the dosage of dalfampridine needs to be carefully adjusted to suppress the incidence of seizures.

Urinary Tract Infections

Dalfampridine may cause urinary tract infections. 5 lists urinary tract infections as a side effect of dalfampridine. If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Insomnia

Dalfampridine may cause insomnia. 5 lists insomnia as a side effect of dalfampridine. If insomnia persists, consult a doctor. 5 suggests that dalfampridine should be avoided before bedtime.

Headache

Dalfampridine may cause headaches. 5 lists headaches as a side effect of dalfampridine. If headaches persist, consult a doctor.

Asthenia

Dalfampridine may cause asthenia. 5 lists asthenia as a side effect of dalfampridine. If asthenia persists, consult a doctor.

Dizziness

Dalfampridine may cause dizziness. 5 lists dizziness as a side effect of dalfampridine. If dizziness persists, consult a doctor. 5 suggests that driving or operating machinery should be avoided while taking dalfampridine.

Back Pain

Dalfampridine may cause back pain. 5 lists back pain as a side effect of dalfampridine. If back pain persists, consult a doctor.

Paresthesias

Dalfampridine may cause paresthesias. 5 lists paresthesias as a side effect of dalfampridine. If paresthesias persist, consult a doctor.

Side Effect Management

Seizures

Urinary Tract Infections

Insomnia

Dalfampridine may cause insomnia. 5 lists insomnia as a side effect of dalfampridine. If insomnia persists, consult a doctor. 5 suggests that dalfampridine should be avoided before bedtime.

Headache

Dalfampridine may cause headaches. 5 lists headaches as a side effect of dalfampridine. If headaches persist, consult a doctor.

Asthenia

Dalfampridine may cause asthenia. 5 lists asthenia as a side effect of dalfampridine. If asthenia persists, consult a doctor.

Dizziness

Back Pain

Dalfampridine may cause back pain. 5 lists back pain as a side effect of dalfampridine. If back pain persists, consult a doctor.

Paresthesias

Dalfampridine may cause paresthesias. 5 lists paresthesias as a side effect of dalfampridine. If paresthesias persist, consult a doctor.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities

Multiple studies suggest that dalfampridine is effective in treating neurological conditions such as downbeat nystagmus and multiple sclerosis. 9 , 10 , 6 , 3 , 7 , 11 , 4 , 5 , 8 , , 2 Multiple studies have also indicated that dalfampridine may cause side effects, such as seizures. 3 , 4 , 2

Differences

There are differences in the effectiveness and side effects of dalfampridine across studies. 9 showed the effectiveness in treating downbeat nystagmus, while 10 , 6 , 3 , 7 , 11 , 4 , 5 , 8 , , 2 showed effectiveness in treating multiple sclerosis. 9 reported that side effects of dalfampridine were rare, and most patients did not experience any side effects. 3 , 4 , 5 , 2 indicated that seizures, urinary tract infections, insomnia, headache, asthenia, dizziness, back pain, and paresthesias are side effects of dalfampridine. showed that dalfampridine is associated with the new occurrence or reoccurrence of positive sensory symptoms in MS.

Cautions for Real-Life Application

While dalfampridine holds promise as a treatment for neurological conditions, there are risks of side effects like seizures. 3 , 4 , 2 When taking dalfampridine, you should follow your doctor's instructions and be aware of possible side effects. 3 , 4 , 2 Notably, individuals prone to seizures or with kidney disease should consult their doctor before taking dalfampridine. 2 You should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking dalfampridine. 5 Additionally, avoid taking dalfampridine before bedtime. 5

Limitations of Current Research

Research on dalfampridine remains insufficient. 9 , 10 , 6 , 3 , 7 , 11 , 4 , 5 , 8 , , 2 Specifically, data on the long-term safety and efficacy of dalfampridine is still inadequate. 7 , 4 Moreover, the exact mechanism by which dalfampridine exerts its effect is not fully understood. 3

Future Research Directions

Further research on dalfampridine is required. 9 , 10 , 6 , 3 , 7 , 11 , 4 , 5 , 8 , , 2 Particularly, research evaluating the long-term safety and efficacy of dalfampridine is necessary. 7 , 4 Research into the mechanism by which dalfampridine exerts its effect is also needed. 3

Conclusion

Dalfampridine shows promise as a treatment for neurological conditions such as downbeat nystagmus and multiple sclerosis. 9 , 10 , 6 , 3 , 7 , 11 , 4 , 5 , 8 , , 2 However, there is a risk of side effects such as seizures. 3 , 4 , 2 When taking dalfampridine, you should follow your doctor's instructions and be aware of possible side effects. 3 , 4 , 2

Literature analysis of 11 papers

Positive Content

Neutral Content

Negative Content

Article Type

Randomized Controlled Trial2

Meta-Analysis1

Systematic Review0

Review3

Journal Article10

Low-dose short-term cyclosporine versus etretinate in psoriasis: improvement of skin, nail, and joint involvement.

Author: MahrleG, SchulzeH J, FärberL, WeidingerG, SteiglederG K

Nail and joint improvement

Psoriasis treatment

Cyclosporine side effects

Relapse risk

Low-dose short-term cyclosporine therapy was highly effective and well tolerated for psoriasis, compared to etretinate. Remission was better preserved by tapering the drug than by discontinuing treatment abruptly.

Language : English

Increasing Patient Safety Among Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Drug Dalfampridine Users by Expanding Awareness of the Serious Side Effects.

Author: ZamanRameez, GoldbergElliott, ZomorodiNaseem, AcharyaVinita J

Walking improvement

Seizures

This case report presents a patient who experienced a seizure episode after initiating treatment with dalfampridine, a drug used to improve walking in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This event occurred despite the patient having no prior history of seizures or renal disease, both of which are contraindications for dalfampridine use. This case highlights the importance of carefully monitoring patients receiving dalfampridine therapy and considering potential risks even in the absence of traditional contraindications.

Language : English

Enhancing neural transmission in multiple sclerosis (4-aminopyridine therapy).

Author: GoodmanAndrew D, StoneRobert Thompson

Ambulatory disability improvement

Improved walking speed

Lower extremity strength

Urinary tract infections

Dalfampridine is a new medication that helps improve walking speed in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) by improving communication between nerves. Clinical trials have shown that dalfampridine improves walking speed by 25% in about a third of MS patients, regardless of their disease stage. It also improves how patients feel about their ability to walk and may strengthen their legs. The most serious side effect is an increased risk of seizures, which happens more often at high doses. Other common side effects include falls, urinary tract infections, dizziness, insomnia, and headaches.

Language : English

Multiple sclerosis therapeutic pipeline: opportunities and challenges.

Author: KriegerStephen

Improved walking

Oral disease-modifying agents

Emergent malignancies

Opportunistic infections

Systemic consequences of immunosuppression

Oral medications are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The approval of dalfampridine and fingolimod in 2010 marked the beginning of this trend. Other oral medications under development include cladribine, teriflunomide, laquinimod, and dimethyl fumarate. Monoclonal antibodies are also being investigated, including alemtuzumab, daclizumab, and rituximab. These drugs have the potential to offer new treatment options for MS patients, but they can also have side effects. It is important to carefully monitor patients who take these drugs for potential side effects, such as opportunistic infections, cancers, and other systemic consequences of immunosuppression. Because there are many different treatment options available, it is important to choose the best treatment for each individual patient.

Language : English

Extended-release dalfampridine in the management of multiple-sclerosis-related walking impairment.

Author: HershCarrie, Rae-GrantAlex

Multiple sclerosis treatment

Side effects

Extended-release dalfampridine, a long-acting form of 4-aminopyridine, has shown promise in improving ambulation speed in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, it can cause side effects like urinary tract infections, insomnia, and headache.

Language : English

Dalfampridine: review of its efficacy in improving gait in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Author: SahraianM A, MaghziA H, EtemadifarM, MinagarA

Improved walking ability

Multiple sclerosis treatment

Dalfampridine, a potassium channel blocker, is a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis. It improves walking ability in MS patients by enhancing conduction in demyelinated axons.

Language : English

Patient considerations in the management of multiple sclerosis: development and clinical utility of oral agents.

Author: GirouardNathalie, SoucyNanda

MS treatment

Oral DMTs

Adherence

Parenteral limitations

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) help to reduce relapses and disability progression. These treatments are not a cure, but they can help to slow down the progression of the disease. Most DMTs are given by injection, which can be difficult for patients to adhere to. New oral DMTs, such as fingolimod, cladribine, teriflunomide, and laquinimod are under development. These drugs have the potential to improve adherence to treatment.

Language : English

Dalfampridine in Parkinson's disease related gait dysfunction: A randomized double blind trial.

Author: LucaCorneliu C, NadayilGloria, DongChuanhui, NahabFatta B, Field-FoteEdelle, SingerCarlos

Gait improvement

Dalfampridine, a potassium channel blocker, was investigated as a potential treatment for gait dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dalfampridine for improving walking in people with PD.

Language : English

Dalfampridine in patients with downbeat nystagmus--an observational study.

Author: ClaassenJens, FeilKatharina, BardinsStanislav, TeufelJulian, SpiegelRainer, KallaRoger, SchneiderErich, JahnKlaus, SchnieppRoman, StruppMichael

Downbeat nystagmus treatment

Abdominal discomfort

Dizziness

This study investigated the effects of dalfampridine, a medication for downbeat nystagmus (DBN), on slow phase velocity (SPV) and visual acuity (VA). It found that dalfampridine significantly reduced SPV and improved VA, with a good tolerance profile.

Language : English

10.

Dalfampridine in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Author: ZhangEnyao, TianXin, LiRuoming, ChenChaoyang, LiMin, MaLingyun, WeiRan, ZhouYing, CuiYimin

MS symptom relief

This meta-analysis assessed the safety and benefits of dalfampridine, a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, compared to placebo. The analysis summarized data from previously published clinical randomized controlled studies.

Language : English

11.

Impact of extended-release dalfampridine on walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Author: HayesKeith C

Improved walking in MS

Dalfampridine extended release (ER) 10 mg is an oral tablet approved for the treatment of walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Two Phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated significant improvements in walking in patients with MS. The drug is well tolerated and leads to improvements in household and community ambulation.

Language : English

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