nimodipine

Nimodipine is a second-generation 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker primarily used to improve neurological outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm. It acts by selectively inhibiting L-type voltage-gated calcium channels on vascular smooth muscle cells, particularly in cerebral arteries, thereby reducing calcium influx and preventing vasoconstriction. This leads to increased cerebral blood flow and reduced risk of ischemic neurological deficits following SAH. Nimodipine is highly lipophilic, allowing it to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively. While its main approved indication is for SAH-related vasospasm prevention and neuroprotection, research suggests additional mechanisms may include anti-inflammatory effects and reduction of microvasospasms after brain injury[1][3][6][8].

Brand names

NimotopNymalize

Other names

NimodipinoNimodipinumisopropyl 2-methoxyethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylateisopropyl 2-methoxyethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(m-nitrophenyl)-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate2,6-dimethyl-4-(3'-nitrophenyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid 3-β-methoxyethyl ester 5-isopropyl ester