NIMODIPINE - ORAL

NIMODIPINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (nye-MOE-di-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nymalize

GENERIC NAME(S): nimodipine

Uses

USES: Nimodipine is used to decrease problems due to a certain type of bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage-SAH). Nimodipine is called a calcium channel blocker. The body naturally responds to bleeding by narrowing the blood vessel to slow blood flow. However, when the bleeding is in the brain, stopping blood flow causes more brain damage. Nimodipine is thought to work by relaxing narrowed blood vessels in the brain near the area of bleeding so blood can flow more easily. This effect reduces brain damage.


How to use NIMODIPINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section. Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking nimodipine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Nimodipine is usually started as soon as possible after the start of bleeding in the brain, usually within 4 days. Nimodipine is usually taken every 4 hours or as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the tablet form of this medication, take it by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush. If you are taking the capsule form of this medication, take it by mouth at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after meals, or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsule whole. If you cannot swallow a whole capsule, you may poke a hole in the capsule, draw the liquid out with a syringe, and give it by mouth or through a nasogastric tube with an oral syringe. Do not mix the contents of the capsule with other liquids. Doing so may prevent the medication from working. Do not inject this medication. If you are using the liquid form (oral solution) of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Use the liquid form at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after meals. The liquid form may also be given through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). If you are giving this medication through a nasogastric or gastric tube, ask your health care professional for detailed instructions on how to give it. Do not take antacids for 2 hours before or after taking nimodipine tablets. Doing so may prevent the medication from working. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well, and even if you do not see any improvement in your symptoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. This medication is usually taken for 2 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Your condition may become worse if the drug is stopped too soon. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, flushing, or swelling ankles/feet may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, slow/fast heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, stomach bloating, inability to have a bowel movement for more than 3 days, severe nausea/vomiting, vision changes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine, nifedipine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: chest pain/recent heart attack, low blood pressure, recent head injury, liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, or swelling of ankles/feet. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How To Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: drugs for high blood pressure (such as beta blockers including propranolol and metoprolol, ACE inhibitors such as benazepril and enalapril), other calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem, verapamil). Other medications can affect the removal of nimodipine from your body, which may affect how nimodipine works. Examples include cimetidine, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for NIMODIPINE - ORAL

Nimodipine is an oral medication that belongs to the class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels to improve blood flow in the brain.

Nimodipine is primarily used to prevent and treat certain types of brain damage caused by reduced blood flow, commonly seen in subarachnoid hemorrhage (a type of bleeding in the brain) caused by a ruptured blood vessel.

Nimodipine is usually taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush or chew it.

Common side effects of Nimodipine may include low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, nausea, and flushing. If any severe side effects or allergic reactions occur, seek medical help immediately.

Nimodipine is classified as Category C medication during pregnancy, meaning that it may have adverse effects on the fetus. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Several medications can interact with Nimodipine, including certain anticonvulsants, HIV protease inhibitors, rifampin, and grapefruit juice. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.

Nimodipine is not approved for use in children. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

The duration of Nimodipine treatment will be determined by your doctor based on your medical condition. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you feel better, to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.

Nimodipine should not be stopped abruptly without consulting a healthcare professional. Gradually reducing the dosage under medical supervision is usually recommended to avoid potential withdrawal symptoms.


Warning

WARNING: This medication should not be given by injection. Accidental injection of nimodipine can cause serious (rarely fatal) side effects (such as low blood pressure, slow heartbeat). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.