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CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM › CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS › SELECTIVE CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS WITH MAINLY VASCULAR EFFECTS › Dihydropyridine derivatives
nimodipine
C08CA06
Forms & Strengths
- Capsules: 30 mg
- Oral liquid: 10 mg/5 mL
- Tablets: 30 mg, 60 mg
- IV solution: 0.2 mg/mL
Adult Dosing
- Oral: 60 mg every 4 hours for 21 days
- IV: 1-2 mg/hour for <14 days, transition to oral within 7 days
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients
- IV solution should not be used due to risk of aluminum toxicity
Indications
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage prevention and treatment of resulting cerebral vasospasm
- Symptomatic treatment of cerebral vasospasm
Mechanism of Action
- Selective L-type calcium channel blocker
- Relaxes smooth muscle of blood vessels, reduces cerebral vasospasm
- Increases cerebral blood flow
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to nimodipine or other dihydropyridines
- Pregnancy (Category C), nursing mothers
Adverse Reactions
- Headache, dizziness, hypotension, peripheral edema
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, flushing
- Abdominal pain, fatigue, muscle cramps, tremors
Drug Interactions
- Increased risk of hypotension with beta blockers, alpha blockers, nitrates
- Reduced efficacy with phenobarb, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin
- Increased nimodipine levels with azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, cyclosporine
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use