Multiple sclerosis: Difference between revisions

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Some clinicians will use cytotoxic agents to treat MS, although only mitoxantrone is FDA approved for the treatment of MS. Off label use of cytotoxic agents is based on small studies, and cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotexate, and mycophenolate mofetil are the most frequently used. Their mechanism of action appears to be a broad immunosurppressive action, and these agents have much more severe side effects, such as an increase of infections and neoplasia, than the other more traditional treatments. Immunomodulatory agents, such as intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, are also sometimes used.<ref name='MS:Pathogenesis and Treatment' />

===Dalfampridine===

Approved in the U.S. in 2012, '''dalfampridine''', with the pharmaceutical name ampyra, has been shown in medical studies to help MS patients improve walking ability, and is the first drug in its class. The form of administration is an extended release oral tablet. Dalfampridine, a mixture of fampridine and 4-aminopyridine, is a potassium channel antagonist. Its mechanism of action prolongs the action potential and improves the conduction in demyelinated axons, as well as potentiation of synaptic and neuromuscular transmission. The potential of this drug is promising for a patient who has been robbed of their ability to walk.

==References==

Multiple sclerosis: Difference between revisions

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@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 Some clinicians will use cytotoxic agents to treat MS, although only mitoxantrone is FDA approved for the treatment of MS. Off label use of cytotoxic agents is based on small studies, and cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotexate, and mycophenolate mofetil are the most frequently used. Their mechanism of action appears to be a broad immunosurppressive action, and these agents have much more severe side effects, such as an increase of infections and neoplasia, than the other more traditional treatments. Immunomodulatory agents, such as intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, are also sometimes used.<ref name='MS:Pathogenesis and Treatment' />
+===Dalfampridine===
+Approved in the U.S. in 2012, '''dalfampridine''', with the pharmaceutical name ampyra, has been shown in medical studies to help MS patients improve walking ability, and is the first drug in its class. The form of administration is an extended release oral tablet. Dalfampridine, a mixture of fampridine and 4-aminopyridine, is a potassium channel antagonist. Its mechanism of action prolongs the action potential and improves the conduction in demyelinated axons, as well as potentiation of synaptic and neuromuscular transmission. The potential of this drug is promising for a patient who has been robbed of their ability to walk.
 ==References==