This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Nimotop Consumer Information
NIMOTOP
Generic Name: nimodipine (nih MOE dih peen)
Brand Names: Nimotop
What is the most important information I should know about nimodipine?
- Take nimodipine on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with nimodipine. The interaction could have potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol while taking nimodipine. Alcohol and nimodipine may cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, or dizziness.
What is nimodipine?
- Nimodipine is in a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nimodipine relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.
- Nimodipine is used in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage, a condition that causes bleeding around the brain.
- Nimodipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nimodipine?
- Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor if you have
- liver disease; or
- heart problems such as a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, previous heart attack, and others.
- You may not be able to take nimodipine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Nimodipine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether nimodipine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether nimodipine passes into breast milk and if it will affect a nursing infant. Do not take nimodipine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
- If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from nimodipine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
How should I take nimodipine?
- Take nimodipine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take nimodipine on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- It is important to take nimodipine regularly to get the most benefit.
- 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.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with nimodipine. The interaction could have potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with nimodipine to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store nimodipine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a nimodipine overdose include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, coma, slurred speech, and confusion.
What should I avoid while taking nimodipine?
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with nimodipine. The interaction could have potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol while taking nimodipine. Alcohol and nimodipine may cause low blood pressure, drowsiness, or dizziness.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.