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Nimodipine

Brand Names

; Nimotop®

Therapeutic Categories

Calcium Channel Blocker

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to nimodipine or any other part of the medicine.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used after bleeding into the brain from a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment will usually be for 3 weeks only.

How does it work?

• Nimodipine blocks certain channels in blood vessels that cause arteries in the brain to relax. This may prevent spasms.

How is it best taken?

• Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for heart disease.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe headache.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
• Any rash.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).