Nimodipine

Generic name: nimodipine [ nih-MO-dih-peen ]
Brand names: Nymalize, Nimotop

Drug class: Calcium channel blocker

Dosage form: Capsule, Oral solution

Route of administration: Oral

Available Dose:

• Capsules: 30 mg
• Oral solution: 60 mg/20 mL (3 mg/mL)

Mechanism of action: Nimodipine selectively blocks calcium channels in the smooth muscle cells of cerebral arteries, leading to vasodilation and increased cerebral blood flow, which helps prevent ischemic damage following subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Drug usage cases: Nimodipine is primarily used to improve neurological outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured intracranial aneurysms by reducing the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits.

Drug contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to nimodipine or any of its components.

Side effects: Common side effects include hypotension, headache, nausea, and bradycardia. Serious side effects are rare but can include severe hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias.

Warnings: Caution is advised in patients with liver impairment, hypotension, and heart failure. Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it can increase the levels of nimodipine in the blood, leading to increased side effects.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Nimodipine is categorized as a pregnancy category C drug. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women, so it should only be used if the potential benefits justify the potential risks. It is unknown if nimodipine is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised when administered to breastfeeding women.