Nimodipine
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Calcium Channel Blocker
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Nimodipine
Learn more about this medicine -
Click HereSummary
Nimodipine is used to treat complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is bleeding in the brain. It's particularly used to prevent cerebral vasospasm, which is the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain.
Nimodipine relaxes blood vessels in the brain by preventing calcium from entering the cells that make up the vessel walls. This stops them from tightening up. It's easily absorbed into the brain and works better on brain blood vessels than those in other parts of the body.
The usual dose for adults is 60 milligrams every four hours, taken for three weeks. If you have liver disease, you should only take 30 milligrams every four hours. Nimodipine should be taken by mouth, or through a tube into your stomach.
Common side effects of Nimodipine include dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. It can also cause low blood pressure in some people, and other effects like swelling, diarrhea, rash, shortness of breath, heart rhythm changes, and muscle pain.
Nimodipine may interact with other medications, including blood pressure medicines and certain antifungal drugs. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice. It's not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, and doctors only prescribe it during pregnancy if the benefits for the mother outweigh any possible harm to the baby. If you experience dizziness or lightheadedness, avoid driving. Nimodipine should not be injected into a vein.
Indications and Purpose
How does Nimodipine work?
Nimodipine is a medicine that relaxes blood vessels in the brain. It does this by preventing calcium from entering the cells that make up the vessel walls, stopping them from tightening up. Because it's easily absorbed into the brain, it works better on brain blood vessels than those in other parts of the body. It helps people who've had bleeding in the brain, but exactly how it does this isn't fully understood. You can't get it through an IV.
How does one know if Nimodipine is working?
Several studies showed nimodipine helped some people recover better after a serious brain injury. In some studies, fewer people who took nimodipine had severe disabilities or died compared to those who took a placebo (a sugar pill). A higher dose helped some very sick patients, reducing problems caused by blood vessel spasms. However, a study testing different doses didn't show that a bigger dose always meant better results.
Is Nimodipine effective?
Nimodipine is a medicine that helps people who have bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage or SAH). This bleeding can cause blood vessels in the brain to narrow (vasospasm), leading to serious brain damage. Studies show that nimodipine reduces the chances of this happening. People taking nimodipine had a much better recovery than those taking a placebo (a fake medicine). The medicine is given several times a day for about three weeks.
What is Nimodipine?
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), particularly to prevent cerebral vasospasm (narrowing of blood vessels in the brain).
What is Nimodipine used for?
Nimodipine liquid medicine is used to help people who've had a type of brain bleed called a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It needs to be given by mouth within 4 days of the bleed. The usual dose is 60 mg every four hours for three weeks. If someone has liver disease (cirrhosis), they should take a lower dose of 30 mg every four hours.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Nimodipine?
Take 60mg of nimodipine medicine every four hours, for three weeks straight.
How do I take Nimodipine?
Nimodipine is a medicine given after a brain bleed (subarachnoid hemorrhage). It's best to start it within 4 days of the bleed. You take it by mouth, or through a tube into your stomach. Take it one hour before or two hours after meals. Don't drink grapefruit juice while taking it. If you have liver problems (cirrhosis), your doctor will give you a lower dose.
How long does it take for Nimodipine to start working?
Nimodipine is a medicine that enters your bloodstream quickly (within an hour or so after you take it). However, it stays in your body much longer (around 8-9 hours). Because it leaves your body gradually, you need to take it often to keep the right amount in your system.
How should I store Nimodipine?
Keep nimodipine pills and liquid medicine in their original bottles. The ideal temperature is between 68-77°F (20-25°C), but it's okay if it gets a little warmer or cooler, between 59-86°F (15-30°C). Keep them out of direct sunlight and don't freeze them. Don't put the liquid medicine in the refrigerator.
What is the usual dose of Nimodipine?
This medicine's usual dose for grown-ups is 60 milligrams every four hours, taken for three weeks. If you have liver disease (cirrhosis), you should only take 30 milligrams every four hours. It's not known if this medicine is safe or works well for children.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Nimodipine with other prescription drugs?
Nimodipine may interact with other blood pressure medications, beta-blockers, and certain antifungal drugs. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you're taking.
Can I take Nimodipine with vitamins or supplements?
Calcium supplements and certain magnesium supplements may affect Nimodipine's function. Always check with your healthcare provider before combining
Can Nimodipine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Nimodipine, a medicine, passes into breast milk at higher levels than found in the mother's blood. We don't know if this harms babies or affects milk supply. Because of this uncertainty, and to protect the baby, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking nimodipine. The decision should balance the benefits of breastfeeding against the possible risks to the baby.
Can Nimodipine be taken safely while pregnant?
Nimodipine is a medicine that might harm a developing baby. Studies in animals showed problems like birth defects and smaller babies at doses similar to or even lower than what's used in people. While some animal studies showed problems at some doses but not others, the risk to the baby is not fully known. Doctors only prescribe it during pregnancy if the benefits for the mother are much greater than any possible harm to the baby.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Nimodipine?
Moderate consumption of coffee or tea is generally safe, but excessive caffeine can affect blood pressure.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Nimodipine?
Exercise is generally safe, but be cautious if you're feeling dizzy or lightheaded, as this may indicate a drop in blood pressure. Always consult your doctor first.
Is Nimodipine safe for the elderly?
Yes, but elderly individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of Nimodipine, such as dizziness or low blood pressure.
Who should avoid taking Nimodipine?
This medicine shouldn't be injected into a vein; it could be deadly. Low blood pressure is a risk, especially if you take certain other medicines or have liver problems. Some medicines can make this one less effective. Your blood pressure needs to be carefully watched.
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