What is nimodipine?
Nimodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nimodipine relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Nimodipine is used to prevent brain damage caused by reduced blood flow to the brain resulting from aneurysm (AN-yor-iz-m), a dilated or ruptured blood vessel in the brain.
Nimodipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What is the most important information I should know about nimodipine?
Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, low blood pressure, high blood pressure (hypertension) for which you take medicine, or a history of heart problems such as a slow heart rate, congestive heart failure, or heart attack.
Nimodipine gel capsules are to be taken by mouth only. The medicine in the capsule should never be placed into a needle and syringe and injected into a vein. If the person taking nimodipine cannot swallow the capsule, use a needle to make a hole in each end of the capsule, and squeeze the medicine out into an oral syringe. The syringe can then be used to give the medicine through a nasogastric (through the nose and into the stomach) tube.
If you are able to swallow capsules, take nimodipine on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking nimodipine. Alcohol and nimodipine may cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, or dizziness.
Do not stop taking nimodipine without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nimodipine?
Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor if you have:
liver disease;
low blood pressure;
high blood pressure for which you take medication; or
a history of heart problems such as a slow heart rate, congestive heart failure, or heart attack.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use nimodipine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if nimodipine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Do not take nimodipine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to have side effects from nimodipine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.