IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (nye-MOE-di-peen)
Nimotop Oral 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 Nimotop Oral
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.
Take the tablet form of this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush.
Take the capsule form of this medication 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 an oral syringe, and give it by mouth or through a naso-gastric tube. Do not mix the contents of the capsule with other liquids. Doing so may prevent the medication from working. Do not inject this medication.
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 taking 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 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.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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.
Information last revised May 2010
Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
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