Nimodipine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Nimodipine?

What is nimodipine for?

Nimodipine is a drug used to reduce problems caused by certain types of bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage-SAH).

Nimodipine is called a calcium channel blocker. The body naturally responds to bleeding by narrowing the blood vessels to slow down blood flow. However, when bleeding occurs in the brain, it stops blood flow causing more severe brain damage. Nimodipine is thought to work by relaxing the narrow blood vessels in the brain near the bleeding area so that blood can flow more easily. This effect reduces brain damage.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

This drug can also be used to reduce problems caused by stroke.

How do i use nimodipine?

Read the patient information leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Nimodipin and each time you get a medicine refill. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Nimodipin usually starts as soon as possible after the start of bleeding in the brain, usually within 4 days. Nimodipine is usually taken every 4 hours or as recommended by your doctor.

If you are taking the tablet form of this medicine, take it by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces / 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medicine. Swallow the whole tablet. and don't break it.

If you are taking the capsule form of this medicine, take it by mouth at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsule whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule completely, you can perforate the capsule, drain the liquid through the tube / spray, and take it by mouth or through a nasogastric tube with an oral syringe. Do not mix the contents of the capsule with other liquids. Doing so can hinder the performance of the drug. Do not inject this drug.

If you are taking the liquid form (oral solution) of this medicine, be careful to measure the dose using a special measuring device / spoon. Don't use a household spoon as you may not get the correct dose. Use the liquid form at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating. The liquid form can also be given through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric tube or stomach). If you are taking this medication through a nasogastric or gastric tube, ask your healthcare professional for detailed instructions on how to take it.

Do not take antacids for 2 hours before or after taking Nimodipine tablets. Doing so can hinder the performance of the drug.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine unless your doctor or pharmacist has said you can do it safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of this drug's side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this remedy regularly for optimal benefits. For You need to remember to take the drug at the same time every day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if your condition improves, and even if you don't see improvement in your symptoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more detailed information.

Do not stop taking the drug suddenly without consulting your doctor. This medication is usually taken for 2 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Your condition may get worse if the medicine is stopped too quickly.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

How is nimodipine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Nimodipine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of nimodipine for adults?

Normal dosage for ordinary adults with subarachnoid hemorrhage

60 mg taken every 4 hours

Therapy should be started within 96 hours of the bleeding event and continued for 21 days.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Ischemic Stroke

(Not approved by the FDA)

30 mg each drink every 6 hours

Therapy should be started within 24 hours of the occurrence of bleeding and continued for 28 days.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Migraine Prophylaxis

(Not approved by the FDA)

30 mg each drink every 6 hours

What is the dose of nimodipine for children?

The dosage for children has not been determined. Consult your doctor for more information.

In what dosage is nimodipine available?

Capsules, liquid: 30 mg.

Nimodipine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to nimodipine?

Seek emergency medical help if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives; hard to breath; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Nimodine and call your doctor if you have any of these serious side effects:

• heart rate unusually fast or slow
• fainting or severe dizziness
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual fatigue
• swollen feet or ankles

Other, less serious side effects are possible. Continue to take Nimodine and discuss with your doctor if you experience any of the following less serious side effects:

• lightheadedness
• flushing (redness, warmth, or a tingling feeling)
• headache
• nausea, constipation
• sweating

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Nimodipine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using nimodipine?

Before taking Nimodipine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Nimodipine, any other drugs, or any of the ingredients in Nimodipine capsules or drinking solutions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of ingredients.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs: certain antifungal medications including itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); clarithromycin (Biaxin); certain drugs for HIV include indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (ritonavir, di Kaletra), and saquinavir (Invirase); nefazodone; and telithromycin (Ketek). Your doctor may advise you not to take Nimodipine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, and vitamins you are taking or planning to take. Be sure to name one of the following drugs: aprepitant (Emend); armodafinil (Nuvigil); alprazolam (Niravam, Xanax); amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, Nexterone); atazanavir (Reyataz), bosentan (Tracleer); cimetidine (Tagamet); conivaptan (Vaprisol); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); delavirdine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); dalfopristine / quinupristine combination (Synercid); efavirenz (at Atripla); erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin); etravirine (Intelence); fluconazole (Diflucan); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, at Symbyax); isoniazid (at Rifater, on Rifamate); medications for high blood pressure or heart disease including diuretics (“water pills”): certain drugs for hepatitis including boceprevir (Victrelis) and telaprevir (Incivek); certain medications for seizures include carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), and phenytoin (Dilantin); modafinil (Provigil); nafcillin (Nallpen); oral contraceptives (birth control pills); phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors including sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn); pioglitazone (Actos, in Actoplus Met, in Duetact, in Oseni); posaconazole (Noxafil); prednisone (Rayos); rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactane, in Rifamate); rufinamide (Banzel); valproic acid (Depakene); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Tarka, Verelan); and vemurafenib (Zelburaf). Many other medicines can also interact with Nimodipine, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs you are taking even if they do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you more carefully for side effects.

Tell your doctor about any herbal products you are taking, especially Echinacea and St. John's Wort.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Nimodipine, call your doctor.

Is nimodipine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There are no data showing whether Nimodipine passes into breast milk and whether or not it could harm a breastfed baby. To be safe, you should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Nimodipine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with nimodipine?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor if you are being treated by:

• seizure medication - carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, etc.
• ildenafil (Viagra) and other erectile dysfunction drugs
• TB medicine

Can food or alcohol interact with nimodipine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while on Nimodipine medication.

What health conditions can interact with nimodipine?

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially liver disease (including cirrhosis). Use with care. Side effects can increase because the elimination of drug effects from the body is slower.

Nimodipine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.