A composition is provided having the formula where R1 in each occurrence is independently H or a C1-C4 hydrocarbon; R3 is H, and R4 is a moiety capable of crossing the blood brain barrier selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid, a peptide, transferrin, gluconate, lactate, citrate, malate, fumarate, benzoate, salicylate, pyruvate and propionate. The composition includes 4-aminopyridine and a transporter species which allows for improved transport of the aminopyridine across the blood brain barrier thereby reducing systemic side effects of aminopyridine administration.