Methods of Using Sustained Release Aminopyridine Compositions
A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a aminopyridine dispersed in a release matrix, including, for example, a composition that can be formulated into a stable, sustained-release oral dosage formulation, such as a tablet which provides, upon administration to a patient, a therapeutically effective plasma level of the aminopyridine for a period of at about 12 hours and the use of the composition to treat various neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis. A method of selecting individuals based on responsiveness to a treatment, including, for example, identifying individuals who responded to treatment with a sustained release fampridine composition.
1 . A method of increasing walking speed comprising administering to a patient with multiple sclerosis an effective amount of a sustained release aminopyridine composition twice daily, wherein said effective amount is less than about 15 milligrams of aminopyridine.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said effective amount is about 10 to about 15 milligrams of aminopyridine.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said effective amount is about 10 milligrams of aminopyridine.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said aminopyridine is 4-aminopyridine.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein said sustained release 4-aminopyridine composition exhibits a C max :C r ratio from about 1.0 to 3.5.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein said twice daily administration comprises. about every 12 hours.
7 . A method of improving lower extremity muscle tone comprising administering to a patient with multiple sclerosis an effective amount of a sustained-release aminopyridine composition twice daily, wherein said effective amount is less than about 15 milligrams of aminopyridine.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said effective amount is about 10 to about 15 milligrams of aminopyridine.
9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said effective amount is about 10 milligrams of aminopyridine.
10 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said aminopyridine is 4-aminopyridine.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein said sustained release 4-aminopyridine composition exhibits a C max :C r ratio from about 1.0 to 3.5.
12 . A method of improving lower extremity muscle strength comprising administering to a patient with multiple sclerosis an effective amount of a sustained-release aminopyridine composition twice daily, wherein said effective amount is less than about 15 milligrams of aminopyridine.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein said effective amount is about 10 to about 15 milligrams of aminopyridine.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein said effective amount is about 10 milligrams of aminopyridine.
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein said aminopyridine is 4-aminopyridine.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein said sustained release 4-aminopyridine composition exhibits a C max :C r ratio from about 1.0 to 3.5.
17 - 20 . (canceled)