Nimodipine
Nimodipine Information

About Nimodipine

Nimodipine is oral calcium-channel blocking agent. Because of its selectivity for cerebral arterioles, Nimodipine is used to treat subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) rather than hypertension, as other dihydropyridines are used. It has negligible effects on AV node conduction, similar to other members of the dihydropyridine subgroup. It also has shown efficacy in the prophylaxis of migraine. It was approved by the FDA in December 1988. Like other calcium-channel antagonists, it inhibits the influx of extracellular calcium through myocardial and vascular membrane pores that are selective for specific ions. Serum calcium levels remain unchanged. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, Nimodipine is believed that it inhibits this influx by binding to specific receptors on the cell membrane in or near the calcium channel., which causes a conformational change in the channel, making it unavailable for opening. The decrease in intracellular calcium inhibits the contractile processes of smooth muscle cells, causing dilation of the arteries and increased oxygen delivery to the area being supplied.

Indications

Nimodipine is primarily indicated in conditions like Cerebral impairment, Premedication before surgery, Prevention of xerostomia, Subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Contraindication

Nimodipine is contraindicated in conditions like Hypotension.

Side Effects

The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Nimodipine include Tachycardia.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Nimodipine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Constipation, Rashes, GI upset, Hypotension, Flushing, Joint pain.

Warnings

Nimodipine should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. It should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing heart disease, lung disease or if have any allergy.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Cardiac / Hypertensive Patients, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.