Aminopiridines in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders

Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2020 Dec;10(6):409-423. doi: 10.2217/nmt-2020-0018. Epub 2020 Oct 14.

Abstract

Symptomatic treatment has a great relevance for the management of patients with neurologic diseases, since it reduces disease burden and improves quality of life. Aminopyridines (APs) are a group of potassium (K+) channel blocking agents that exert their activity both at central nervous system level and on neuromuscular junction. This review describes the use of APs for the symptomatic treatment of neurological conditions. We will describe trials leading to the approval of the extended-release 4-aminopyridine for MS and evidence in support of the use in other neurological diseases.

Keywords: Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome; aminopiridines; downbeat nystagmus; episodic ataxia; multiple sclerosis.

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine / therapeutic use
  • Aminopyridines / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Aminopyridines
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • 4-Aminopyridine