Amifampridine, also known as Firdapse, is a potassium channel blocker approved for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. Although amifampridine provides patients with a new treatment option, the use of drugs is always accompanied by potential side effects. The most common side effects include paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, etc.
What are the side effects of amifampridine Firdapse?
When using amifampridine Firdapse, patients should pay close attention to their physical reactions and report any discomfort to their doctors in a timely manner.
Common side effects
Amifampridine may cause a series of side effects during treatment. The most common ones include paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, back pain, high blood pressure, and muscle cramps. Most of these side effects are mild to moderate, but they may also have a certain impact on patients' daily lives.
Serious side effects
Nervous seizures are the most worthy of attention. In patients without a history of neurotic seizures, the incidence of neurotic seizures was observed to be approximately 2% after taking amifampridine at the recommended dose. Amifampridine is contraindicated in patients with a history of neurotic seizures because it may increase the risk of neurotic seizures.
What is the dosage of amifampridine Firdapse?
The dosage of amifampridine needs to be individualized according to the patient's age, weight, renal function and other factors. As treatment progresses, the doctor may adjust the dose according to the patient's tolerance and efficacy.
Recommended dose
For adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and above, the recommended dosage regimen should be consulted with a medical advisor. The starting dose of amifampridine should be determined based on the patient's weight. For pediatric patients and adult patients weighing greater than or equal to 45 kg, the recommended starting dose is 15 mg orally in divided doses per day; for pediatric patients weighing less than 45 kg, the recommended starting dose is 5 mg orally in divided doses per day.
Precautions for use
Amifampridine can be taken on an empty stomach, but if the patient needs to prepare a suspension for administration, the correct preparation method should be followed. Patients do not need to crush the tablets before making the suspension. They only need to put the required number of tablets into the container, add the appropriate amount of sterile water, wait for a while and shake it thoroughly.
Patients should regularly monitor their liver function and lung condition during medication, especially those with a history of neurotic seizures or those who are taking other drugs that may lower the threshold of neurotic seizures. They should pay close attention to their physical condition.
