Generic name: nimodipine [ nih-MO-dih-peen ]
Brand names: Nymalize, Nimotop
Dosage forms: oral capsule (30 mg), oral liquid (30 mg/10 mL; 30 mg/5 mL; 60 mg/10 mL; 60 mg/20 mL)
Drug class: Calcium channel blockers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 19, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nimodipine?

Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker that is used to prevent brain damage caused by reduced blood flow to the brain resulting from aneurysm (a dilated or ruptured blood vessel in the brain).

Nimodipine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Nimodipine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Nimodipine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• fast or slow heart rate; or

• swelling in your ankles or feet.

Common side effects of nimodipine may include:

• low blood pressure (feeling light-headed);

• nausea, upset stomach;

• slow heartbeats; or

• muscle pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

The liquid from a nimodipine capsule should never be injected through a needle into the body, or death may occur.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use nimodipine if you are allergic to it.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with nimodipine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:

• nefazodone;

• an antibiotic--clarithromycin, telithromycin;

• antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole; o

• antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS--indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• cirrhosis or other liver disease; or

• heart disease; or

• high blood pressure (especially if you take blood pressure medication).

It is not known whether nimodipine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take nimodipine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Nimodipine is usually taken for 21 days in a row. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Take nimodipine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Swallow the capsule whole with water or other liquid. Avoid grapefruit juice.

If the person taking nimodipine cannot swallow the capsule, the medicine from inside the capsule can be given through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly give the medicine through an NG tube. Read and carefully follow all instructions given to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

The liquid from a nimodipine capsule should never be injected through a needle into the body, or death may occur. Nimodipine capsules are to be taken only by mouth or through an NG tube.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will need to be checked often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep each capsule in the original package until you are ready to take one.

Nimodipine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage:

60 mg orally, nasogastric, or gastric tube every 4 hours
-Duration of therapy: 21 days

Comments:
-Treatment should begin within 96 hours of the onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
-IV and other parenteral routes should be avoided.

Use: Improvement of neurological outcome by reducing the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits in patients with SAH from ruptured intracranial berry aneurysms regardless of their post ictus neurological conditions (e.g., Hunt and Hess Grades I to V)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking nimodipine?

Grapefruit may interact with nimodipine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.

What other drugs will affect nimodipine?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect nimodipine, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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