Information about Nimotop (Nimodipine)
Nimotop is a brand name for nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker primarily used to manage complications from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a type of brain bleed. It works by preventing calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, leading to the dilation (widening) of blood vessels, and thereby improving blood flow to the brain. Nimodipine is known to be particularly effective in reducing the risk of delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND), which can occur after SAH.
Product Highlights
- Nimotop is primarily prescribed for:
- To prevent or treat cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH. Vasospasm can cause a reduction in blood flow to the brain, leading to ischemia and further neurological damage.
- After an SAH, nimodipine helps reduce the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia, which is linked to poor outcomes.
- It may also be used off-label for other conditions where vasodilation is beneficial, although its primary role is in the context of SAH.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- By dilating blood vessels in the brain, nimodipine increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to brain tissue.
- In the context of SAH, nimodipine helps reduce the occurrence of delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DIND), which are secondary neurological injuries following vasospasm.
- Clinical studies have shown that nimodipine reduces both mortality and the severity of disabilities associated with SAH.
Direction of Use
- Nimotop tablets (30 mg) are typically taken orally, usually every 4 hours, starting as soon as possible after the diagnosis of SAH and continuing for 21 days or as advised by a doctor.
- In hospitalized patients who are unable to take oral medication, nimodipine may be administered intravenously, with the exact dosing schedule determined by the physician.
- Careful monitoring is essential, especially for patients with impaired liver function, as nimodipine is metabolized in the liver.
Safety Concerns
- Since nimodipine causes vasodilation, there is a risk of hypotension (low blood pressure), particularly when administered intravenously. Blood pressure should be carefully monitored, particularly during the initial stages of treatment.
- Although not common, nimodipine can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Monitoring of heart rate is recommended, especially in patients with preexisting heart conditions.
- Nimodipine is metabolized in the liver, so patients with liver dysfunction may require adjusted dosages. Liver enzyme levels should be routinely monitored throughout treatment.
- Nimodipine can interact with other medications, especially those that affect the liver enzymes (CYP3A4) responsible for its metabolism, such as antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole) and certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin). These interactions can increase the concentration of nimodipine in the blood, raising the risk of side effects.
Avoid Nimotop (Nimodipine) If:
- If you have a known allergy to nimodipine or any other calcium channel blocker, you should avoid taking this medication.
- If you have severe low blood pressure (hypotension), you should avoid nimodipine, as it can lower blood pressure further.
- Patients with severe liver impairment or cirrhosis should avoid nimodipine or use it with extreme caution, as it is metabolized in the liver and could lead to elevated drug levels in the bloodstream.
- Avoid using nimodipine with other medications that significantly affect CYP3A4 enzyme activity unless supervised by a healthcare provider. This includes certain antifungals, antibiotics, or antiviral drugs.
- Nimodipine should not be used in individuals who have experienced a hypersensitivity reaction to it in the past.
