MedlinePlus Drug Information: Nimodipine

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Nimodipine

(nye moe' di peen)

Brand name(s): Nimotop

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Nimodipine is used to treat symptoms resulting from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhage). It increases blood flow to injured brain tissue.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Nimodipine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. If a patient cannot swallow the capsule, the medication can be given through a feeding tube. It is usually taken every 4 hours for 21 days. Nimodipine should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before a meal, or 2 hours after a meal. This medication should be started within 4 days of the brain hemorrhage.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take nimodipine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take nimodipine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking nimodipine without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Nimodipine also is used to treat migraine headaches. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking nimodipine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nimodipine or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cimetidine (Tagamet), heart and blood pressure medicines, phenytoin (Dilantin), ranitidine (Zantac), and vitamins.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking nimodipine, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking nimodipine.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Nimodipine should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit 1 hour before or for 2 hours after taking nimodipine.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from nimodipine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

headache
dizziness or lightheadedness
flushing (feeling of warmth)
heartburn
fast heartbeat
slow heartbeat
upset stomach
stomach pain
constipation
depression, feeling low, or the 'blues'
unusual bruising or bleeding

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fainting
rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer