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Dalfampridine

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: July 26, 2026

Dalfampridine is a potassium channel blocker used to improve walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis. It works by blocking potassium channels in nerve fibers, which helps restore the conduction of electrical signals along demyelinated axons.

Quick summary

A potassium channel blocker used to improve walking in multiple sclerosis patients by enhancing nerve conduction in damaged nerves.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed July 26, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
N07XX07
RxNorm
897018
Generic
Dalfampridine
Class
atc-n07
Brands
Ampyra
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose of 100mg or more may cause serious toxicity including seizures and cardiac complications
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use exceeding recommended 20mg daily dose may lead to cumulative toxicity
Immediate actions
Activate emergency medical services, monitor vital signs, establish IV access, consider gastric decontamination if within 1-2 hours of ingestion
Antidote
No specific antidote available(Supportive care is primary treatment; no specific antidote exists)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

9 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

second trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

dalfampridine is not recommended during breastfeeding

Monitor

infant monitoring if exposure occurs

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

reduce dose or discontinue if renal impairment suspected adjust dose based on renal function

Monitor

monitor renal function regularly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

?

pediatric_age

children adolescents
unknown
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not established

Key Recommendations

not recommended safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years

Monitor

not applicable

✗

renal_impairment

severe renal impairment
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

contraindicated

Key Recommendations

contraindicated in patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min

Monitor

assess renal function before and during treatment

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate renal impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use with caution in patients with CrCl 50-80 mL/min may require dose adjustment

Monitor

monitor renal function regularly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

hepatic impairment
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

no specific adjustment

Key Recommendations

use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment

Monitor

monitor liver function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

FDA approval year

Value:2010

FDA approval date for Ampyra

drug_classFDA
2023

Drug class

Value:Potassium channel blocker

Pharmacological classification

usageFDA
2023

Common uses

Value:Improve walking speed in multiple sclerosis patients

Therapeutic indication

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Blocks voltage-gated potassium channels

Molecular mechanism

Used to improve walking speed and ability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically indicated for walking disability associated with MS.

Functions as a broad-spectrum potassium channel blocker. By blocking potassium channels, it helps restore the conduction of action potentials along demyelinated nerve fibers, effectively improving nerve signal transmission in damaged areas.

Should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment as it is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys. May increase risk of seizures. Not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Dosage should not exceed 10mg twice daily.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy