Amifampridine Phosphate
Generic Name: amifampridine phosphate
Brand Names:
Firdapse
11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient of FIRDAPSE is amifampridine phosphate, which is a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker. Amifampridine phosphate is described chemically as 3,4-diaminopyridine phosphate with a molecular weight of 207.1 and a molecular formula of C 5 H 7 N 3 • H 3 PO 4 . The structural formula is: Amifampridine phosphate is a white, crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, and slightly soluble in solvents ethanol, methanol and acetic acid.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient of FIRDAPSE is amifampridine phosphate, which is a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker. Amifampridine phosphate is described chemically as 3,4-diaminopyridine phosphate with a molecular weight of 207.1 and a molecular formula of C 5 H 7 N 3 • H 3 PO 4 . The structural formula is: Amifampridine phosphate is a white, crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water, and slightly soluble in solvents ethanol, methanol and acetic acid.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FIRDAPSE ® is indicated for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. FIRDAPSE is a potassium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. ( 1 )
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer orally in divided doses (3 to 5 times daily). ( 2.1 ) The recommended starting dosage for adults (any weight) and pediatric patients weighing 45 kg or more is 15 mg to 30 mg daily, in divided doses. ( 2.1 ) Dosage can be increased by 5 mg daily every 3 to 4 days. ( 2.1 ) The maximum single dose is 20 mg. ( 2.1 ) Dosage is not to exceed a maximum of 100 mg daily. ( 2.1 ) The recommended starting dosage for pediatric patients weighing less than 45 kg is 5 mg to 15 mg daily, in divided doses. ( 2.1 ) Dosage can be increased by 2.5 mg daily every 3 to 4 days. ( 2.1 ) The maximum single dose is 10 mg. ( 2.1 ) Dosage is not to exceed a maximum of 50 mg daily.
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common (> 10%) adverse reactions are: paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, back pain, hypertension, and muscle spasms. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Catalyst Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-347-3277 (1-844-FIRDAPSE) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Concomitant use may lead to an increased risk of seizures. ( 7.1 ) Drugs with cholinergic effects (e.g., direct or indirect cholinesterase inhibitors): Concomitant use may increase the cholinergic effects of FIRDAPSE and of those drugs and increase the risk of adverse reactions. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Drugs that Lower Seizure Threshold The concomitant use of FIRDAPSE and drugs that lower seizure threshold may lead to an increased risk of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. The decision to administer FIRDAPSE concomitantly with drugs that lower the seizure threshold should be carefully considered in light of the severity of the associated risks.
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Seizures: FIRDAPSE can cause seizures. Consider discontinuation or dose-reduction of FIRDAPSE in patients who have a seizure while on treatment. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity reactions: If a hypersensitivity reaction such as anaphylaxis occurs, FIRDAPSE should be discontinued and appropriate therapy initiated. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Seizures FIRDAPSE can cause seizures. Seizures have been observed in patients without a history of seizures taking FIRDAPSE at the recommended doses, at various times after initiation of treatment, at an incidence of approximately 2%. Many of the patients were taking medications or had comorbid medical conditions that may have lowered the seizure threshold [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )]. Seizures may be dose-dependent. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with: A history of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity to amifampridine phosphate or another aminopyridine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with: A history of seizures ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to amifampridine or another aminopyridine ( 4 )
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to FIRDAPSE during pregnancy. Physicians are encouraged to enroll pregnant patients, or pregnant women may register themselves in the registry by calling 855- 212-5856 (toll-free), using the Fax number 877-867-1874 (toll-free), by contacting the Pregnancy Coordinating Center at firdapsepregnancyregistry@ubc.com, or by visiting the study website www.firdapsepregnancystudy.com.
Storage
16.2 Storage and Handling Store FIRDAPSE tablets at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP controlled room temperature]. See Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) for storage instructions for FIRDAPSE prepared suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amifampridine Phosphate used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FIRDAPSE ® is indicated for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. FIRDAPSE is a potassium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. ( 1 )
What are the side effects of Amifampridine Phosphate?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common (> 10%) adverse reactions are: paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, back pain, hypertension, and muscle spasms. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Catalyst Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-347-3277 (1-844-FIRDAPSE) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Can I take Amifampridine Phosphate during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to FIRDAPSE during pregnancy. Physicians are encouraged to enroll pregnant patients, or pregnant women may register themselves in the registry by calling 855- 212-5856 (toll-free), using the Fax number 877-867-1874 (toll-free), by contacting the Pregnancy Coordinating Center at firdapsepregnancyregistry@ubc.com, or by visiting the study website www.firdapsepregnancystudy.com.
What are the important warnings for Amifampridine Phosphate?▼
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Seizures: FIRDAPSE can cause seizures. Consider discontinuation or dose-reduction of FIRDAPSE in patients who have a seizure while on treatment. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity reactions: If a hypersensitivity reaction such as anaphylaxis occurs, FIRDAPSE should be discontinued and appropriate therapy initiated. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Seizures FIRDAPSE can cause seizures. Seizures have been observed in patients without a history of seizures taking FIRDAPSE at the recommended doses, at various times after initiation of treatment, at an incidence of approximately 2%. Many of the patients were taking medications or had comorbid medical conditions that may have lowered the seizure threshold [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )]. Seizures may be dose-dependent. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with: A history of seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity to amifampridine phosphate or another aminopyridine [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with: A history of seizures ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to amifampridine or another aminopyridine ( 4 )
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.