Amifampridine

Generic name: amifampridine [ AM-i-FAM-pri-deen ]
Brand name: Firdapse
Dosage form: oral tablet (10 mg)
Drug class: Cholinergic muscle stimulants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 22, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is amifampridine?

Amifampridine is used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in adults.

Amifampridine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Amifampridine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Amifampridine can cause seizures, even if you have never had a seizure in the past.

Stop using amifampridine and call your doctor at once if you have a seizure.

Common side effects of amifampridine may include:

• tingly feeling in your hands, feet, face, mouth, or other parts of your body;

• nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea;

• headache, back pain;

• increased blood pressure;

• abnormal liver function tests;

• muscle spasms; or

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Amifampridine can cause seizures, even if you have never had a seizure in the past. Stop taking amifampridine and call your doctor right away if you have a seizure.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use amifampridine if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you have had a seizure in the past; or

• you are allergic to dalfampridine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a seizure;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• if you also take a form of amifampridine obtained from a compounding pharmacy (3,4-diaminopyridine or 3,4-DAP).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I take amifampridine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take amifampridine with or without food.

Do not take more than 2 tablets at one time. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.­

The amifampridine tablet may be split in half if needed.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Throw away any amifampridine not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.

Amifampridine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome:

-Initial dose: 15 mg to 30 mg orally once a day in divided doses (3 to 4 times daily)
-Maximum single dose: 20 mg
-Maximum daily dose: 80 mg/day

Comments:
-Dose may be increased by 5 mg daily every 3 or 4 days.
-If a dose is missed, patients should not take double or extra doses.

Use: For the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome:

6 years to less than 17 years weighing less than 45 kg:
-Initial dose: 7.5 mg to 15 mg orally once a day in divided doses (2 to 3 times daily)
-Maximum single dose: 15 mg
-Maximum daily dose: 50 mg

Comments:
-Dose may be increased daily in 2.5 mg to 5 mg increments, divided in up to 5 doses daily.
-Dosage should be increased based on clinical response and tolerability.
-A suspension can be prepared when patients require a dosage in less than 5 mg increments.

6 years to less than 17 years weighing 45 kg or more:
-Initial dose: 15 mg to 30 mg daily in divided doses (2 to 3 times daily)
-Maximum single dose: 30 m
-Maximum daily dose: 100 mg

Comments:
-Dose may be increased daily in 5 mg to 10 mg increments, divided in up to 5 doses daily.
-Dosage should be increased based on clinical response and tolerability.

Use: For the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking amifampridine?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect amifampridine?

Amifampridine can cause seizures, especially if you also use certain medicines for infections, asthma, depression, mental illness, attention deficit disorder, or severe pain.

Many drugs can affect amifampridine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Ruzurgi and Firdapse?
• What is Firdapse (amifampridine) used to treat?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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