Definition for Fampridine

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Fampridine is a prescription medication indicated to help patients with multiple sclerosis improve their ability to walk. This medication works by improving signal transmission along the nerves that have been damaged due to MS. Fampridine, which is marketed under the brand name Ampyra, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for immediate release on Jan. 22, 2010.

Urinary Tract Infection

Patients taking fampridine may be at an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection as a side effect of treatment. During clinical trials, about 12 percent of patients treated with fampridine developed a urinary tract infection, according to the FDA. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include frequent or painful urination that may be accompanied by abdominal discomfort or a fever. Additional medication is typically required to resolve urinary tract infection symptoms in affected patients.

Difficulty Sleeping or Headache

During treatment with fampridine, patients can experience sleeping difficulties. A patient can experience problems falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, which can contribute to increased daytime drowsiness or fatigue. Certain patients also develop recurrent headaches during fampridine treatment. These side effects of fampridine can negatively affect a patient's ability to remain alert and focused during the day.

Stomach Upset

Stomach upset side effects, such as nausea, can arise in patients during treatment with fampridine, warn health officials at Multiple Sclerosis Trust, an informational and educational resource for MS patients living in the United Kingdom. Additional stomach upset symptoms can include heartburn and constipation, which may occur in conjunction with abdominal cramping, bloating or pain.

Weakness or Pain

In clinical trials for this medication, nearly 10 percent of fampridine-treated patients reported experiencing body weakness as a side effect, according to the FDA. Patients taking this medication may also experience mild to moderate back pain, which may cause affected patients to appear unbalanced while walking.

Skin, Throat or Nasal Irritation

Patients can experience unusual irritation of the skin, throat or nose, reports Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. Nasal or throat irritation can lead to sneezing or sore throat symptoms in certain patients. Skin irritation may be accompanied by sensations of burning or itching that can be uncomfortable to affected patients.

Seizures

If a patient takes more than the recommended 10mg twice daily dose of fampridine, seizures can occur. A seizure is a momentary lapse in brain signaling that can result in involuntary muscle spasms or loss of consciousness. Patients should contact a doctor immediately if seizure side effects occur while taking fampridine.