Evaluation of the effect of nimodipine o.d. (extended release) vs nimodipine t.i.d. in the treatment of peripheral vertigo.

SUMMARY: Vertigo has a negative impact on quality of life; therefore, it is important to find an effective and convenient therapy that allows patients to continue their everyday tasks as soon as possible and to have a better quality of life.

METHODS

There were two formulations used to assess the effectiveness in vertigo treatment from peripheral origin: nimodipine administrated three times daily (Nimotop®) 30 mg versus nimodipine AP administrated once daily (Tropocer®) 90 mg; both of them in a administrated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, double dummy, multicenter and parallel-group study, where patients with peripheral vertigo defined as a score ≥7 on the Vertigo-Dizziness Differential Diagnosis Score were included. The patients were evaluated by vertigo severity index and vestibular disability index.

RESULTS

In the AP nimodipine group (NAP), vertigo severity index was decreased by 50%: 24% of patients in 14 days, 41% in 4 weeks and 89% in 8 weeks. The vestibular disability index was decreased by 50%: 24% of patients in 15 days, 83% in 4 weeks and 92% of patients in 8 weeks. In the conventional nimodipine group (NC), rate of vertigo severity was decreased by 50%: 17% of patients in 14 days, 41% of patients in 4 weeks and 90% of patients in 8 weeks. The vestibular disability index was decreased by 50%: 15 days in 17% of patients, 53% in 4 weeks and 64% in 8 weeks, without difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

both products were effective and well tolerated in the treatment of peripheral vertigo.