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Calcium Channel Blocker (neuroprotective)

Nimodipine

Brand names: Nimotop

Nimodipine is a calcium-channel blocker used specifically to prevent and treat delayed cerebral ischaemia (vasospasm) after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DO NOT ADMINISTER NIMODIPINE CAPSULES INTRAVENOUSLY OR BY OTHER PARENTERAL ROUTES (see WARNINGS ). If nimodipine is inadvertently administered intravenously, clinically significant hypotension may require cardiovascular support with pressor agents. Specific treatments for calcium channel blocker overdose should also be given promptly. Nimodipine is given orally in the form of soft gelatin 30 mg capsules for subarachnoid hemorrhage. The recommended oral dose is 60 mg (two 30 mg capsules) every 4 hours for 21 consecutive days. In general, the capsules should be swallowed whole with a little liquid, preferably not less than one hour before or two hours after meals. …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-08-16. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

A dihydropyridine with relative cerebral selectivity, it reduces vasospasm in the cerebral circulation.

Prescribing in practice

  • Give it orally (continuously, typically every 4 hours) wherever possible; it is not interchangeable with other calcium-blocker indications.
  • Hypotension can occur.
  • The intravenous formulation must be given only by specialists as a controlled infusion (never a bolus), and it interacts with PVC infusion equipment.

Monitoring

Monitor blood pressure and neurological status (a critical-care/neurosurgical setting).

Counselling the patient

  • It is given to protect the brain after the bleed; staff will monitor your blood pressure closely.

Evidence & guidelines

Improves neurological outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (standard neurosurgical/critical-care practice).

Reference: NICE NG228 Subarachnoid Haemorrhage; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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