Nimodipine. A review of its pharmacological properties, and therapeutic efficacy in cerebral disorders.

Nimodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist which dilates cerebral blood vessels and increases cerebral blood flow in animals and humans. Preliminary findings reveal its potential benefit for the treatment of a wide range of cerebrovascular disorders, particularly for prophylaxis and treatment of delayed ischaemic neurological deficits resulting from cerebral vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage. Studies involving patients aged up to 79 years have confirmed these preliminary findings by showing that nimodipine reduces the incidence of severe ischaemic deficit after subarachnoid haemorrhage. Initial results from studies of patients with acute ischaemic stroke indicate that nimodipine, started within 72 hours of onset, improved recovery, particularly in patients over 65 years. However, other investigators have found no marked difference in 6-month mortality or morbidity rates of stroke patients aged up to 97 years. Findings from other studies suggest that nimodipine may improve symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients. Nimodipine is well tolerated by both younger and older patients. The most frequently reported adverse event has been hypotension. Thus, nimodipine therapy offers important benefits as part of the approach to management of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage and has potential in other cerebral disorders, including stroke and impaired cognitive function, although confirmation of initial results in patients with cerebral impairment are required.