- The calcium-channel blocker nimodipine, the only drug known to improve outcomes following subarachnoid haemorrhage:
- Acts as a calcium channel antagonist:
- Blocks the slow calcium channel of vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle
- High lipid solubility of nimodipine allows it to cross the BBB offering a more cerebral selective effect over other calcium channel blockers
- Recommended to be administered orally to all patients from the time of presentation:
- Should be continued for 21 days
- Administered at a dose of 60mg PO every 4 hours
- May be reduced to 30mg every 2 hours in the event of hypotension
- In case oral administration is not possible nimodipine can be administered IV
