Health Library

Nimodipine (By mouth)

Nimodipine (nye-MOE-di-peen)

Helps reduce brain damage caused by bleeding in the brain from a burst blood vessel. This medicine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB).

Brand Name(s):

Nimotop, Nymalize

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is usually given within 96 hours of the time that the bleeding starts.
• It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• If the oral liquid is going to be given through a feeding tube, use the oral syringe that comes with the package to measure the dose. For each dose, refill the syringe with saline solution to flush any remaining medicine in the feeding tube into the stomach.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate the oral liquid.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other medicines that can interact with nimodipine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. This includes over-the-counter medicines that can increase your blood pressure (such as diet pills, cold and allergy medicines, or asthma medicines).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using echinacea, St John's wort, alprazolam (Xanax®), amiodarone (Cordarone®), aprepitant (Emend®), armodafinil (Nuvigil®), bosentan (Tracleer®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), conivaptan (Vaprisol®), isoniazid (Nydrazid®), modafinil (Provigil®), pioglitazone (Actos®), prednisone (Orasone®), vemurafenib (Zelboraf®), medicine to treat depression (such as fluoxetine, nefazodone, Prozac®, Serzone®), medicine to treat infection (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nafcillin, posaconazole, rifampin, telithromycin, voriconazole, Nizoral®, Rifadin®, Rimactane®), medicine to treat HIV infection (such as amprenavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, Crixivan®, Kaletra®, Lexiva®, Norvir®, Prezista®, Reyataz®, Rescriptor®), medicine to treat hepatitis C (such as boceprevir, telaprevir, Incivek®, Victrelis®), medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, Depakene®, Dilantin®, Tegretol®), or birth control pills.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using blood pressure medicine (such as amlodipine, atenolol, clonidine, lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Avapro®, Benicar®, Cozaar®, Diovan® Lotrel®, Toprol®), a diuretic (water pill, such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, torsemide, Lasix®), or medicine to treat impotence (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, Cialis®, Levitra®, Viagra®).
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), low or high blood pressure, or heart failure.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine might lower your blood pressure. You will need to have your blood pressure measured during treatment. If you notice any changes to your recommended blood pressure, call your doctor right away. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024