Nimodipine Injection

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.

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.