Objective To explore the protective effect of nimodipine on PC12 cell apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Methods The cells were randomized into five groups: normal group, model group (200 μmol/L H₂O₂), nimodipine low-, medium- and high-dose groups (1, 10, 100 μmol/L nimodipne + 200 μmol/L H₂O₂). Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst staining. The activity of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase 3), caspase 9 and superoxide dismutase (SOD), the level of malonic aldehyde (MDA) were measured by colorimetry. The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and p53 were detected by western blot. Results Compared with the normal group, the cell apoptosis rate, the activity of caspase 3 and caspase 9, the MDA level, and the expression of Bax and p53 were significantly increased, the cell viability, SOD activity, and expression of Bcl-2 were decreased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell apoptosis rate, the activity of caspase 3 and caspase 9, the level of MDA, and the expression of Bax were decreased; and the cell viability, SOD activity, and the expression of Bcl-2 were increased in the nimodipine low-, medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.01). Conclusions Nimodipine suppresses cell apoptosis induced by H₂O₂ in PC12 cells, which may be related to regulation of expression of cell apoptosis-related proteins.