Cerebral Aneurysms Medication

Updated: Dec 06, 2018
  • Author: David S Liebeskind, MD, FAAN, FAHA, FANA; Chief Editor: Helmi L Lutsep, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Nimodipine has been demonstrated to improve outcome and decrease the incidence of delayed neurological deficits when administered for the first 21 days after aneurysmal SAH. Although the prophylactic role of antiepileptic medications in aneurysmal SAH is controversial, seizures may be treated with these medications. Antihypertensive medications may be needed to control blood pressure. After aneurysmal occlusion, these medications are held typically for 2 weeks. Sedatives and pain control may be needed for aneurysmal SAH. Antiemetics, antacids, and stool softeners also are used routinely.

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Calcium channel blockers

Class Summary

These agents are administered to minimize sequelae of cerebral vasospasm.

Nimodipine (Nimotop)

For improvement of neurological impairments resulting from spasms following SAH caused by ruptured congenital intracranial aneurysm in patients in good postictal neurological condition.

While studies show benefit in severity of neurological deficits caused by cerebral vasospasm following SAH, no evidence shows that the drug either prevents or relieves spasm of cerebral arteries. Actual mechanism of action unknown but may involve protection of brain against ischemia.

Therapy should start within 96 h of SAH. If capsule cannot be swallowed because patient undergoing surgery or unconscious, a hole can be made at both ends of capsule with 18-gauge needle, and contents extracted into a syringe. Contents then can be emptied into patient's nasogastric tube in situ and washed down tube with 30 mL isotonic saline.

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Antiepileptics

Class Summary

These agents are administered for treatment and prevention of seizures.

Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)

Diphosphate ester salt of phenytoin that acts as water-soluble prodrug of phenytoin. Following administration, plasma esterases convert fosphenytoin to phosphate, formaldehyde, and phenytoin. Phenytoin, in turn, stabilizes neuronal membranes and decreases seizure activity.

To avoid need to perform molecular weight-based adjustments when converting between fosphenytoin and phenytoin sodium doses, express dose as phenytoin sodium equivalents (PE). Although can be administered IV and IM, IV is route of choice and should be used in emergency situations.

Concomitant administration of IV benzodiazepine usually necessary to control status epilepticus. Full antiepileptic effect of phenytoin, whether given as fosphenytoin or parenteral phenytoin, not immediate.

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Antihypertensives

Class Summary

These agents help in controlling systemic blood pressure.

Labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)

Blocks beta1-, alpha-, and beta2-adrenergic receptor sites, thereby decreasing blood pressure.

Hydralazine (Apresoline)

Decreases systemic resistance through direct vasodilation of arterioles.

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Analgesics

Class Summary

These agents help in pain relief.

Morphine sulfate (MSIR, Duramorph, Astramorph, MS Contin)

Drug of choice for analgesia because of reliable and predictable effects, safety profile, and ease of reversibility with naloxone.

Various IV doses used; commonly titrated until desired effect obtained.

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Antiemetics

Class Summary

These agents help in minimizing nausea and vomiting.

Prochlorperazine (Compazine)

May relieve nausea and vomiting by blocking postsynaptic mesolimbic dopamine receptors through anticholinergic effects and depressing reticular activating system. In addition to antiemetic effects, has advantage of augmenting hypoxic ventilatory response, acting as respiratory stimulant at high altitude.

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Antacids

Class Summary

These agents help in relieving gastrointestinal acid reflux.

Ranitidine (Zantac)

Inhibits stimulation of H2 receptor in gastric parietal cells, which in turn reduces gastric acid secretion, gastric volume, and hydrogen-ion concentration.

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Stool softeners

Class Summary

These agents help in softening stools and minimizing straining.

Docusate sodium (Colace, Dialox, Surfak, Regulax, Sulfalax)

For patients who should avoid straining during defecation; allows incorporation of water and fat into stool, causing stool to soften.

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