Nimotop

Nimotop is used to decrease problems due to a certain type of bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage-SAH). Nimotop is called a calcium channel blocker. The body naturally responds to bleeding by narrowing the blood vessel to slow blood flow. However, when the bleeding is in the brain, stopping blood flow causes more brain damage.

Nimotop is thought to work by relaxing narrowed blood vessels in the brain near the area of bleeding so blood can flow more easily. This effect reduces brain damage. Nimotop is indicated for the reduction of cerebral infarction and improvement of outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Dosing
The recommended dose is two tablets at 4-hourly intervals, (total daily dose 360 mg), to be taken with water. Administration should commence as soon as possible, but not later than 96 hours after the event and should be continued for 21 days.

Side effects
Decrease in blood pressure, slight increase or decrease in heart rate, sweating, dizziness, flushing, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, nausea and feeling of warmth. Infrequently, symptoms of overactivation of the CNS (central nervous system), such as sleeplessness, increased motor agitation, excitation and aggression, may occur.

Hyperkinesia and depressed mood may also occur. A transient rise in liver enzymes may occur during intravenous administration; this usually reverts to normal on completion of treatment.