USE OF NIMODIPINE IN THE MEDICAL-TREATMENT OF MENIERES-DISEASE - CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE

Purpose: Nimodipine is a highly lipophilic, centrally acting calcium c hannel blocker. It is similar in action to flunarizine, which has been studied for use in the medical treatment of Meniere's disease. Method s: Nimodipine was offered to patients with Meniere's disease for whom first-line medical management failed (dietary restrictions and diureti cs or vestibular suppressants). Results: Our preliminary clinical expe rience using nimodipine in 12 patients with Meniere's disease from Dec ember 1992 until March 1995 resulted in successful control of vertigo and hearing improvement or stabilization in seven (58%) of 12 patients . When hearing stabilization was not considered, eight (67%) patients had vertigo satisfactorily controlled (AAOO class A, B, or C). The fou r (33%) patients whose vertigo symptoms persisted despite treatment wi th nimodipine (AAOO class D) were surgically treated with successful v ertigo control. Nimodipine was discontinued in one class D patient bec ause of gastrointestinal intolerance. Conclusions: Nimodipine provides an alternative successful means for medical management of Meniere's d isease.