Measuring Nimodipine Levels in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Determination of Cerebral Nimodipine Concentrations Following Oral, Intra-venous and Intra-arterial Administration - a Descriptive Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamics Study

Observational Medical University of Vienna · NCT04649398

This study is testing how different ways of giving nimodipine affect its levels in the blood and brain of patients with a type of brain bleed, to see how it might help protect their brain and improve their recovery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Vienna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vienna)
Trial IDNCT04649398 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to measure the concentrations of nimodipine in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain tissue following different routes of administration (oral, intravenous, and intra-arterial) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study will correlate these concentrations with measures of cerebral metabolism and oxygenation to better understand the drug's neuroprotective effects and potential risks. By investigating the pharmacokinetics of nimodipine, the study seeks to clarify the optimal dosing regimen for improving patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old who have experienced an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and require intensive care with brain microdialysis.

Not a fit: Patients who have contraindications for nimodipine or do not require intensive care and microdialysis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved dosing strategies for nimodipine, enhancing patient recovery and reducing the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of measuring drug concentrations in this context is not widely tested, previous studies have shown the importance of nimodipine in managing subarachnoid hemorrhage, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patient age \> 18 years
* aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
* sedated and mechanically ventilated
* application of brain microdialysis as standard care (due to the severity of subarachnoid haemorrhage or secondary deterioration)
* oral, intra-venous or intra-arterial administration of nimodipine due to clinical indication

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindication for nimodipine
* no need of intensive care and bedside cerebral microdialysis as standard care
* any disease considered relevant for proper performance of the study or risks to the patient, at the discretion of the investigator

Where this trial is running

Vienna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, AneurysmalDelayed Cerebral IschemiaVasospasm, Cerebral
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.