Multiple Sclerosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Multiple Sclerosis, including details on diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prognosis.

Fampridine-SR for multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.

Hayes KC

The University of Western Ontario, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, London, Ontario, Canada. kchayes@uwo.ca

Fampridine-SR is a sustained-release tablet form of the K(+) channel-blocking compound 4-aminopyridine that has been shown to restore conduction in focally demyelinated axons, to enhance synaptic transmission in many types of neurons and to potentiate muscle contraction. The present review describes the mechanism of action and chemistry of Fampridine-SR, its pharmacokinetics and safety, and the outcomes of clinical trials of its safety and efficacy for enhancing neuromuscular function in patients with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Randomized clinical trials completed to date indicate that this form of K(+) channel blockade may be useful for the improvement of walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Published 11 May 2007 in Expert Rev Neurother, 7(5): 453-61.
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