There have been no reports of overdosage from the oral administration of nimodipine. Symptoms of overdosage would be expected to be related to cardiovascular effects such as excessive peripheral vasodilation with marked systemic hypotension. Clinically significant hypotension due to nimodipine overdosage may require active cardiovascular support with pressor agents and specific treatments for calcium channel blocker overdose. Since nimodipine is highly protein-bound, dialysis is not likely to be of benefit.
None.
The safety and efficacy of NYMALIZE (nimodipine oral solution) in the treatment of patients with SAH is based on adequate and well-controlled studies of nimodipine oral capsules in patients with SAH. NYMALIZE (nimodipine oral solution) has comparable bioavailability to nimodipine oral capsules.
The following clinically significant adverse reaction appears in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
In clinical trials of nimodipine oral capsules in patients with SAH, eleven percent (92 of 823) of nimodipine-treated patients reported adverse events compared to six percent (29 of 479) of placebotreated patients. The most common adverse event was decreased blood pressure in 4.4% of nimodipinetreated patients. The events reported with a frequency greater than 1% are displayed in Table 1 by dose.
Table 1: Adverse Events [n (%)] reported with a frequency > 1% in four
clinical trials (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3, and Study 4)
| Placebo (n=479) |
Nimodipine dose every 4 hours | |||||
| 0.35
mg/kg (n=82) |
30 mg (n=71) |
60 mg (n=494) |
90 mg (n=172) |
120 mg (n=4) |
||
| Decreased Blood Pressure | 6 (1.2) | 1 (1.2) | 0 | 19 (3.8) | 14 (8.1) | 2 (50.0) |
| Edema | 3 (0.6) | 0 | 0 | 2 (0.4) | 2 (1.2) | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 3 (0.6) | 0 | 3 (4.2) | 0 | 3 (1.7) | 0 |
| Rash | 3 (0.6) | 2 (2.4) | 0 | 3 (0.6) | 2 (1.2) | 0 |
| Headache | 1 (0.2) | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 6 (1.2) | 0 | 0 |
| Gastrointestinal Symptoms | 0 | 2 (2.4) | 0 | 0 | 2 (1.2) | 0 |
| Nausea | 0 | 1 (1.2) | 1 (1.4) | 6 (1.2) | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Dyspnea | 0 | 1 (1.2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EKG Abnormalities | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Tachycardia | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bradycardia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 (1.0) | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Muscle Pain/Cramp | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 1 (0.2) | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Acne | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Depression | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAH is frequently accompanied by alterations in consciousness that may lead to an under-reporting of adverse experiences. As a calcium channel blocker, nimodipine may have the potential to exacerbate heart failure in susceptible patients or to interfere with A-V conduction, but these events were not observed in SAH trials.
NYMALIZE is indicated for the improvement of neurological outcome by reducing the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits in adult patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured intracranial berry aneurysms regardless of their post-ictus neurological condition (i.e., Hunt and Hess Grades I-V).
In humans, nimodipine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, and peak concentrations are generally attained within one hour. The terminal elimination half-life is approximately 8 to 9 hours but earlier elimination rates are much more rapid, equivalent to a half-life of 1-2 hours; a consequence is the need for frequent (every 4 hours) dosing. There were no signs of accumulation when nimodipine was given three times a day for seven days. Nimodipine is over 95% bound to plasma proteins. The binding was concentration independent over the range of 10 ng/mL to 10 mcg/mL. Nimodipine is eliminated almost exclusively in the form of metabolites and less than 1% is recovered in the urine as unchanged drug. Numerous metabolites, all of which are either inactive or considerably less active than the parent compound, have been identified. The metabolism of nimodipine is mediated by CYP3A4. Because of a high first-pass metabolism, the bioavailability of nimodipine averages 13% after oral administration.
Food EffectsIn a study of 24 healthy male volunteers, administration of nimodipine capsules following a standard breakfast resulted in a 68% lower peak plasma concentration and 38% lower bioavailability relative to dosing under fasted conditions.
Patients With CirrhosisThe bioavailability of nimodipine is significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis, with Cmax approximately double that in normals which necessitates lowering the dose in this group of patients.
Geriatric PatientsIn a single parallel-group study involving 24 elderly subjects (aged 59-79) and 24 younger subjects (aged 22-40), the observed AUC and Cmax of nimodipine was approximately 2-fold higher in the elderly population compared to the younger study subjects following oral administration (given as a single dose of 30 mg and dosed to steady-state with 30 mg three times daily for 6 days). The clinical response to these age-related pharmacokinetic differences, however, was not considered significant. .
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women to directly assess the effect on human fetuses. NYMALIZE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nimodipine has been shown to have a teratogenic effect in two studies in rabbit. In one study, incidences of malformations and stunted fetuses were increased at oral doses of 1 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day administered throughout organogenesis but not at 3 mg/kg/day. In the second study, an increased incidence of stunted fetuses was seen at 1 mg/kg/day but not at higher doses (3 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day). Nimodipine was embryotoxic, causing resorption and stunted growth of fetuses in rats at 100 mg/kg/day administered orally throughout organogenesis. In two other rat studies, doses of 30 mg/kg/day nimodipine administered orally throughout organogenesis and continued until sacrifice (day 20 of pregnancy or day 21 postpartum) were associated with higher incidences of skeletal variation, stunted fetuses, and stillbirths but no malformations.
Oral Solution (3 mg per mL):
Nymalize (nimodipine) Oral Solution 3 mg/mL is a pale yellow solution and is supplied as follows:
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
Protect from light.
Do not refrigerate.
Manufactured by: Importfab, Pointe-Claire, QC, Canada, H9R 1C9. Revised: Mar 2017
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS HypotensionBlood pressure should be carefully monitored during treatment with NYMALIZE. In clinical studies of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, about 5% of nimodipine-treated patients compared to 1% of placebo-treated patients had hypotension and about 1% of nimodipine-treated patients left the study because of this.
Possible Increased Risk Of Adverse Reactions In Patients With CirrhosisGiven that the plasma levels of nimodipine are increased in patients with cirrhosis, these patients are at higher risk of adverse reactions. Therefore, monitor blood pressure and pulse rate closely and administer a lower dosage.
Possible Increased Risk Of Hypotension With Strong CYP3A4 InhibitorsConcomitant use of strong inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as some macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, telithromycin), some HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), some HCV protease inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir, telaprevir), some azole antimycotics (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole), conivaptan, delavirdine, and nefazodone with nimodipine should generally be avoided because of a risk of significant hypotension.
Possible Reduced Efficacy With Strong CYP3A4 InducersConcomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort) and nimodipine should generally be avoided, as nimodipine plasma concentration and efficacy may be significantly reduced.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility CarcinogenesisIn a two-year study in rat, the incidences of adenocarcinoma of the uterus and Leydig cell adenoma of the testes were increased at 1800 ppm nimodipine in the diet (approximately 90-120 mg/kg/day). The increases were not statistically significant, however, and the higher rates were within the historical control range for these tumors. Nimodipine was found not to be carcinogenic in a 91-week mouse study, but the high dose of 1800 ppm nimodipine in the diet (approximately 550-775 mg/kg/day) was associated with an increased mortality rate.
MutagenesisMutagenicity studies, including the Ames, micronucleus, and dominant lethal assays, were negative.
Impairment Of FertilityNimodipine did not impair the fertility and general reproductive performance of male and female rats following oral doses of up to 30 mg/kg/day when administered prior to mating and continuing in females to day 7 of pregnancy. This dose in a rat is similar to a clinical dose of 60 mg every 4 hours in a 60 kg patient, on a body surface area (mg/m ) basis.
Use In Specific Populations Pregnancy Pregnancy Category CThere are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women to directly assess the effect on human fetuses. NYMALIZE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nimodipine has been shown to have a teratogenic effect in two studies in rabbit. In one study, incidences of malformations and stunted fetuses were increased at oral doses of 1 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day administered throughout organogenesis but not at 3 mg/kg/day. In the second study, an increased incidence of stunted fetuses was seen at 1 mg/kg/day but not at higher doses (3 mg/kg/day and 10 mg/kg/day). Nimodipine was embryotoxic, causing resorption and stunted growth of fetuses in rats at 100 mg/kg/day administered orally throughout organogenesis. In two other rat studies, doses of 30 mg/kg/day nimodipine administered orally throughout organogenesis and continued until sacrifice (day 20 of pregnancy or day 21 postpartum) were associated with higher incidences of skeletal variation, stunted fetuses, and stillbirths but no malformations.
Nursing MothersNimodipine and/or its metabolites have been detected in rat milk at concentrations much higher than in maternal plasma. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from NYMALIZE, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Geriatric UseClinical studies of nimodipine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they had a different clinical response than younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dosing in elderly patients should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Administer only enterally (e.g., oral, nasogastric tube, or gastric tube route). Do not administer intravenously or by other parenteral routes. For all routes of administration, begin NYMALIZE within 96 hours of the onset of SAH. Administer one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal for all routes of administration.
Administration By Oral RouteThe recommended oral dosage is 20 mL (60 mg) every 4 hours for 21 consecutive days.
Administration Via Nasogastric Or Gastric TubeUsing the supplied oral syringe labeled "ORAL USE ONLY", administer 20 mL (60 mg) every 4 hours into a nasogastric or gastric tube for 21 consecutive days. For each dose, refill the syringe with 20 mL of 0.9% saline solution and then flush any remaining contents from nasogastric or gastric tube into the stomach.
Dosage Adjustments In Patients With CirrhosisIn patients with cirrhosis, reduce the dosage to 10 mL (30 mg) every 4 hours.
The safety and efficacy of NYMALIZE (nimodipine oral solution) in the treatment of patients with SAH is based on adequate and well-controlled studies of nimodipine oral capsules in patients with SAH. NYMALIZE (nimodipine oral solution) has comparable bioavailability to nimodipine oral capsules.
The following clinically significant adverse reaction appears in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
In clinical trials of nimodipine oral capsules in patients with SAH, eleven percent (92 of 823) of nimodipine-treated patients reported adverse events compared to six percent (29 of 479) of placebotreated patients. The most common adverse event was decreased blood pressure in 4.4% of nimodipinetreated patients. The events reported with a frequency greater than 1% are displayed in Table 1 by dose.
Table 1: Adverse Events [n (%)] reported with a frequency > 1% in four
clinical trials (Study 1, Study 2, Study 3, and Study 4)
| Placebo (n=479) |
Nimodipine dose every 4 hours | |||||
| 0.35
mg/kg (n=82) |
30 mg (n=71) |
60 mg (n=494) |
90 mg (n=172) |
120 mg (n=4) |
||
| Decreased Blood Pressure | 6 (1.2) | 1 (1.2) | 0 | 19 (3.8) | 14 (8.1) | 2 (50.0) |
| Edema | 3 (0.6) | 0 | 0 | 2 (0.4) | 2 (1.2) | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 3 (0.6) | 0 | 3 (4.2) | 0 | 3 (1.7) | 0 |
| Rash | 3 (0.6) | 2 (2.4) | 0 | 3 (0.6) | 2 (1.2) | 0 |
| Headache | 1 (0.2) | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 6 (1.2) | 0 | 0 |
| Gastrointestinal Symptoms | 0 | 2 (2.4) | 0 | 0 | 2 (1.2) | 0 |
| Nausea | 0 | 1 (1.2) | 1 (1.4) | 6 (1.2) | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Dyspnea | 0 | 1 (1.2) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EKG Abnormalities | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Tachycardia | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bradycardia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 (1.0) | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Muscle Pain/Cramp | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 1 (0.2) | 1 (0.6) | 0 |
| Acne | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Depression | 0 | 0 | 1 (1.4) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SAH is frequently accompanied by alterations in consciousness that may lead to an under-reporting of adverse experiences. As a calcium channel blocker, nimodipine may have the potential to exacerbate heart failure in susceptible patients or to interfere with A-V conduction, but these events were not observed in SAH trials.
DRUG INTERACTIONS Blood Pressure Lowering DrugsNimodipine may increase the blood pressure lowering effect of concomitantly administered antihypertensives such as diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, other calcium channel blockers, α-adrenergic blockers, PDE5 inhibitors, and α-methyldopa. In Europe, nimodipine was observed to occasionally intensify the effect of antihypertensive drugs taken concomitantly by hypertensive patients; this phenomenon was not observed in North American clinical trials. Blood pressure should be carefully monitored, and dose adjustment of the blood pressure lowering drug(s) may be necessary.
CYP3A4 InhibitorsNimodipine plasma concentration can be significantly increased when concomitantly administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. As a consequence, the blood pressure lowering effect may be increased. Therefore, the concomitant administration of NYMALIZE and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should generally be avoided. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors include some members of the following classes:
Nimodipine plasma concentration can also be increased in the presence of moderate and weak inhibitors of CYP3A4. If nimodipine is concomitantly administered with these drugs, blood pressure should be monitored, and a reduction of the nimodipine dose may be necessary. Moderate and weak CYP3A4 inhibitors include alprozalam, ameprenavir, amiodarone, aprepitant, atazanavir, cimetidine, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fluoxetine, isoniazid, oral contraceptives, quinuprestin/dalforpristin, valproic acid, and verapamil.
A study in eight healthy volunteers has shown a 50% increase in mean peak nimodipine plasma concentrations and a 90% increase in mean area under the curve, after a one-week course of cimetidine at 1,000 mg/day and nimodipine at 90 mg/day. This effect may be mediated by the known inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P-450 (CYP) by cimetidine, which could decrease first-pass metabolism of nimodipine.
Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4. Ingestion of grapefruit/grapefruit juice is not recommended while taking nimodipine.
CYP3A4 InducersNimodipine plasma concentration and efficacy may be significantly reduced when concomitantly administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers. Therefore, concomitant use of NYMALIZE with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John's wort) should generally be avoided.
Moderate and weak inducers of CYP3A4 may also reduce the efficacy of nimodipine. Patients on these should be closely monitored for lack of effectiveness, and a nimodipine dosage increase may be required. Moderate and weak CYP3A4 inducers include, for example: amprenavir, aprepitant, armodafinil, bosentan, efavirnenz, etravirine, Echinacea, modafinil, nafcillin, pioglitazone, prednisone, rufinamide, and vemurafenib.
