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.