NimodipineOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Nimodipine images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Nimodipine

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's natural response to bleeding is for the blood to form a clot and for the bleeding blood vessel to constrict to slow blood flow. Stopping blood flow to the brain, however, causes more brain damage. Nimodipine is thought to work by relaxing constricted blood vessels in the brain near the area of bleeding so blood can flow more easily. The brain damage is then lessened.This drug may also be used to decrease problems due to stroke and to help prevent migraine headaches.
Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function tests, heart exam, blood pressure, electrocardiograms) may be performed from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more details.

Storage

Store at room temperature in the original foil packets between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/fainting, fast/irregular/very slow heartbeat, confusion.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 hours on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) 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 nimodipine liquid out with an oral syringe, and give it by mouth or through a naso-gastric tube.
Do not inject this medication.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, body size and response to therapy.
If you have severe liver disease (cirrhosis) your dose may be decreased.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well or are not seeing any improvement in your symptoms.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Your condition may become worse if the drug is stopped too soon.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

Side Effects

Headache, nausea, diarrhea, swelling of the ankles/feet.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, worsening tiredness, muscle pain/cramps.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe abdominal pain, stomach bloating, inability to have a bowel movement for more than 3 days, severe nausea/vomiting, new or worsening chest pain, vision changes, easy bruising/bleeding, black stools, persistent rectal bleeding, yellowing of the eyes/skin, severe/persistent nausea, seizures, new or worsening confusion/weakness/slurred speech.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine); or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, low blood pressure, heart failure.This drug may make you dizzy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., beta blockers such as propranolol and metoprolol, ACE inhibitors such as benazepril and enalapril), other calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil), cimetidine, dantrolene.Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure, heart rate, or other symptoms, or limit your recovery (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, clemastine, ibuprofen, naproxen).
Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.