Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Firdapse
Synonyms :
amifampridine
Class :
Cholinergic Agonists, Potassium Channel BlockersÂ
Brand Name :
Firdapse
Synonyms :
amifampridine
Class :
Cholinergic Agonists, Potassium Channel BlockersÂ
Adult:
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
10mgÂ
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic SyndromeÂ
Indicated for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Initial dose: 15 mg-30 mg orally in divided doses 3-4 times in a day
May enhance by 5 mg in a day every 3-4 days
It should not exceed 80 mg in a day
20 mg is the maximum single dose
Pediatric:
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
TabletÂ
10mgÂ
Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic SyndromeÂ
Indicated for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome
Age >6 years and body weight <45 kg
Initial dose: 5 mg-15 mg orally in divided doses 3-4 times in a day
May enhance by 2.5 mg in a day every 3-4 days
It should not exceed 40 mg in a day
10 mg is the maximum single dose
Age >6 years and body weight >45 kg
Initial dose: 15 mg-30 mg orally in divided doses 3-4 times in a day
May enhance by 5 mg in a day every 3-4 days
It should not exceed 80 mg in a day
20 mg is the maximum single dose
Geriatric:
Refer to adult dosingÂ
The risk of seizure can be increased when combined with azlocillin.
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with spironolactone
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with spironolactone
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with spironolactone
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with spironolactone
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with spironolactone
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
may have an increasingly adverse effects when combined with amifampridine
ajmaline enhances the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
When ponesimod is used together with amifampridine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of bradycardia
When amifampridine is used together with adenosine, this leads tob enhanced risk or seriousness of QTc prolongation
When amifampridine is used together with givinostat, this leads to enhanced risk or severity of Qtc prolongation
amifampridine: they may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
amifampridine: they may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
amifampridine: they may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
amifampridine: they may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
amifampridine: they may increase the bradycardic effect of Bradycardia-Causing Agents
amifampridine: they may increase the therapeutic effect of acetylcholine inhibitors
amifampridine: they may increase the therapeutic effect of acetylcholine inhibitors
When amifampridine is used together with paraoxon, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
When amifampridine is used together with pegvisomant, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
the combination of ambenonium and amifampridine may result in an elevated risk or severity of adverse effects
When amifampridine is used together with profenamine, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
the risk or intensity of QTc prolongation can be heightened when ibandronate is combined with amifampridine
ciprofloxacin increases toxicity of amifampridine by other (see comment). Modify therapy/monitor closely. Comment: amifampridine can cause seizures. Coadministration with drugs that lower seizure threshold may increase this risk.
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increased risk of seizures  
If combined with pizotifen it may increase the neuroexcitatory or seizure-potentiating effect of amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
it may enhance the risk of QTc prolongation when combined with amifampridine
may increase the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
the risk of adverse effects may be increased
the combination of ambenonium and amifampridine may result in an elevated risk or severity of adverse effects
the toxic effects of amifampridine may be increased
Actions and Spectrum:Â
Amifampridine works by blocking the potassium channels in presynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. Potassium channels allow the outflow of potassium ions, which helps repolarize the nerve terminal after an action potential. By blocking these channels, amifampridine prolongs depolarization phase and increases the duration of calcium ion entry into the nerve terminal. This leads to an increased release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which is responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells and muscles. The enhanced release of acetylcholine helps to improve muscle strength and function in patients with LEMS.
Adverse Reaction:
Frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
Upper respiratory tract infection (33%)Â
Headache (14%)Â
Diarrhea (14%)Â
Paresthesia (62%)Â
Abdominal pain (14%)Â
Elevated liver enzymes (14%)Â
Nausea (14%)Â
Hypertension (12%)Â
Muscle spasms (12%)Â
Back pain (14%)Â
1-10%Â
Fall (7%)Â
Cataract (10%)Â
Pain in extremities (10%)Â
Asthenia (10%)Â
Muscular weakness (10%)Â
Lymphadenopathy (7%)Â
Constipation (7%)Â
Dizziness (10%)Â
Bronchitis (7%)Â
Seizures (2%)Â
Black Box Warning:Â
NoneÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â
Individuals with a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to amifampridine or any of its components should not use this medication. Allergic reactions can manifest as skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.Â
Amifampridine may lower the seizure threshold that potentially increases the risk of seizures. Therefore, it is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy, as it may exacerbate the condition.Â
Pregnancy/Lactation:
Pregnancy consideration:Â Â
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assignedÂ
Lactation:  Â
Excreted into human milk: Not known.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Pharmacology:Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Amifampridine is known as 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP), that exerts its pharmacological effects by acting as a potassium channel blocker specifically targeting presynaptic voltage-gated potassium channels at the neuromuscular junction. Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
amifampridine is well-absorbed after oral administration. Â
DistributionÂ
Once absorbed, amifampridine is distributed throughout the body. It has moderate protein binding primarily to plasma albumin. Â
MetabolismÂ
amifampridine undergoes minimal metabolism in the body. The drug does not undergo significant hepatic metabolism involving cytochrome P450 enzymes.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
The primary route of elimination for amifampridine is renal excretion. The unchanged drug is primarily excreted in the urine.Â
Administration:Â
Oral administrationÂ
amifampridine, or Firdapse, is available in tablet form and is typically administered orally. Â
The dosage of amifampridine will vary depending on the specific condition being treated and individual patient factors. Â
amifampridine is usually taken multiple times a day, with the frequency and timing of doses determined by your healthcare professional. Â
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, chewed, or divided. Â
It can be taken with or without food. However, some healthcare providers may recommend taking it with food to help reduce any potential gastrointestinal side effects.
Patient information leaflet:
Generic Name: amifampridineÂ
Pronounced: [ AM-i-FAM-pri-deen ]Â
Why do we use amifampridine?Â
Amifampridine or Firdapse is primarily known to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), a rare autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction. Congenital myasthenic syndromes are a group of inherited neuromuscular disorders that affect the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness. It is being investigated for its potential use in some forms of CMS. Enhancing acetylcholine release may help improve muscle strength in individuals with these specific genetic conditions. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction causing muscle weakness and fatigue. While amifampridine is not explicitly approved for myasthenia gravis as it has been used off-label when other treatment options have been ineffective. However, its effectiveness in myasthenia gravis is still being studied and other approved medications are typically preferred for this condition.Â
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