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The Use of Aminopyridines in Neurological Disorders

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Michael Keogh

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Abstract

Aminopyridines are members of a family of monoamino and diamino derivatives of pyridine, and their principal mechanism of action is dose-dependent blockade of voltage-gated potassium channels, in particular, fast voltage-gated potassium channels. To date, only 2 main broad-spectrum potassium channel blockers, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP), have been used as investigational new drugs in various neurological diseases. More recently, licensed versions of these compounds including dalfampridine extended release (Fampyra, Biogen Idec) for the improvement of walking in adult patients with multiple sclerosis, and amifampridine (Firdapse, Biomarin Europe Ltd) for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome have been released, and the costs associated with using these new products highlights the importance of evaluating the clinically meaningful treatment effects of these drugs. The current review summarizes the evidence of aminopyridine use in neurological conditions and in particular presents a systematic review of all randomized trials of 3,4-DAP in Lambert-Eatonmyasthenic syndrome to determine the efficacy of this treatment using meta-analysis of clinical and electrophysiological end points.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Sedehizadeh S, Keogh M, Maddison P

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Clinical Neuropharmacology

Year: 2012

Volume: 35

Issue: 4

Pages: 191-200

Print publication date: 01/07/2012

ISSN (print): 0362-5664

ISSN (electronic): 1537-162X

Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/WNF.0b013e31825a68c5

DOI: 10.1097/WNF.0b013e31825a68c5

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