A 50-year-old woman on ICU has a subarachnoid haemorrhage (Fisher grade 3). She is on oral nimodipine 60 mg 4-hourly. The nurse notes the nimodipine i...

Question

A 50-year-old woman on ICU has a subarachnoid haemorrhage (Fisher grade 3). She is on oral nimodipine 60 mg 4-hourly. The nurse notes the nimodipine is being crushed and given via NG tube. Is this preparation method acceptable?

Accepted Answer

No - nimodipine should be given as the oral liquid formulation via NG tube; crushing tablets may alter bioavailability and the liquid preparation ensures consistent absorption; alternatively, IV nimodipine can be used if enteral absorption is unreliable

Answer

Yes - nimodipine tablets can be crushed for NG administration

Answer

Nimodipine does not need to be given in SAH

Answer

Only IV nimodipine is ever appropriate

Answer

Nimodipine dosing does not matter

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Nimodipine Administration in SAH

A 50-year-old woman on ICU has a subarachnoid haemorrhage (Fisher grade 3). She is on oral nimodipine 60 mg 4-hourly. The nurse notes the nimodipine is being crushed and given via NG tube. Is this preparation method acceptable?