Nimodipine (Nimotop) is best described as which type of drug?

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Multiple Choice

Nimodipine (Nimotop) is best described as which type of drug?

Calcium channel blocker. Nimodipine belongs to the dihydropyridine class and works by inhibiting L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. By reducing calcium entry into these cells, the smooth muscle relaxes and the cerebral arteries dilate. This targeted vasodilation helps prevent cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, reducing the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia. It’s not an ACE inhibitor, beta blocker, or diuretic. In practice, monitor for hypotension and consider drug interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors; it’s typically given orally rather than IV.

Calcium channel blocker. Nimodipine belongs to the dihydropyridine class and works by inhibiting L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. By reducing calcium entry into these cells, the smooth muscle relaxes and the cerebral arteries dilate. This targeted vasodilation helps prevent cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, reducing the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia. It’s not an ACE inhibitor, beta blocker, or diuretic. In practice, monitor for hypotension and consider drug interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors; it’s typically given orally rather than IV.

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