Nimodipine: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Nimodipine is used to reduce problems caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage-SAH. The body responds naturally to bleeding by narrowing blood vessels to slow blood flow. However, when blood is already flowing in the brain, stopping blood circulation causes more damage to the brain.

1. What are the effects of Nimodipine?

Nimodipine belongs to the group of calcium channel blockers. Nimodipine works by dilating narrowed blood vessels in the brain near the bleeding area so blood can flow more easily, thereby reducing brain damage.
Nimodipine is contraindicated in the following cases:
Essential tremor Subarachnoid hemorrhage Nimodipine is contraindicated in the following cases:
Low blood pressure Liver disease Chronic idiopathic constipation 2. How to use Nimodipine Read the instructions carefully from your doctor before you start taking nimodipine and each time you are given a refill. If you have any questions about how to use Nimodipine, ask your doctor.
Nimodipine should be started as soon as possible after bleeding in the brain begins, usually within 4 days. Nimodipine is taken as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours, 1 hour before, or 2 hours after a meal.
If you are taking the tablet form of Nimodipine, take it with a full glass of water (240 ml), unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medicine. Swallow the tablet whole, do not crush it.
If you are taking the capsule form of Nimodipine, take it as directed by your doctor, swallowing the capsule whole. If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, you can poke a hole in the capsule, draw out the liquid with a syringe, and give it by mouth or through a nasogastric tube with a syringe. Do not mix the medicine in the capsule with other liquids. Doing so may prevent the medicine from working. This medicine is not for use by injection.
If you are using the liquid form (oral solution) of Nimodipine, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Several brands of this medication may come in a prefilled oral syringe with the correct dose.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using Nimodipine unless your doctor says you can safely do so. Because grapefruit may increase your risk of side effects with this medicine.
Nimodipine dosage is calculated based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use Nimodipine regularly to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember to take your medicine, take it at the same times each day. Keep taking Nimodipine even if you feel well and even if you don't see any improvement in your symptoms.
Do not suddenly stop taking Nimodipine without consulting your doctor. This medicine is usually taken for 2 to 4 weeks, your condition may get worse if you stop taking it too soon.
Tests such as liver function tests, and to check your blood pressure and heart rate may be done from time to time to monitor your progress or check for side effects from treatment with Nimodipine.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens after using Nimodipine.

3. Nimodipine side effects

While using Nimodipine you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, flushed, or swollen ankles/feet. If any of these Nimodipine side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor right away.
To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness while using Nimodipine, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed you Nimodipine because they have judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people use Nimodipine without any serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects of Nimodipine, including: Fainting, slow or fast heartbeat, stomach pain, bloating, nausea or vomiting a lot, vision changes .
A very serious allergic reaction to Nimodipine is very rare. However, if you notice any of these symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Nimodipine, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), trouble breathing, dizziness, Get medical help right away.
Below are Nimodipine side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Nimodipine include:
Slow heart rate Low blood pressure Headache Nausea Uncommon side effects of Nimodipine include:
Fluid retention in the hands or feet. Myalgia Diarrhea Rare side effects of Nimodipine include:
Thrombocytopenia in the blood Depression Abnormal ECG signal Chronic heart failure Fluid in the lungs Allergic dermatitis Skin rash Tachycardia Acne Cramps Dizziness Visible water retention Temporary redness of the face and neck This is not a complete list of Nimodipine possible side effects. If you notice other side effects of Nimodipine not listed above, contact your doctor.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of Nimodipine

Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine, nifedipine) and to any other allergies, if any. Nimodipine products may contain ineffective ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Nimodipine, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: Recent chest pain or heart attack, low blood pressure, recent head injury, liver disease.
Nimodipine can make you dizzy and alcohol and marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machines, or do anything that requires alertness while using Nimodipine, until you can do so safely.
Before surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with Nimodipine.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of nimodipine, especially dizziness, or swelling of the ankles/feet.
For women during pregnancy, Nimodipine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the drug for you. Nimodipine passes into breast milk, therefore women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before use.

5. Nimodipine drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way nimodipine works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products you are taking. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine while using Nimodipine, without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Nimodipine are: Medicines for high blood pressure (such as beta blockers including propranolol and metoprolol, ACE inhibitors such as benazepril and enalapril), other calcium channel blockers (such as diltiazem). , verapamil).
Other drugs may affect the removal of nimodipine from your body, which may affect how nimodipine works. Such drugs include apalutamide, cimetidine, enzalutamide, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), St. John's wort, which is used to treat seizures carbamazepine, phenytoin, and certain other medications.

6. What to do if you overdose or forget to take Nimodipine

If you or someone else has overdosed on Nimodipine and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 right away.
If you miss a dose of Nimodipine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose of Nimodipine at the usual time, do not double the usual dose.

7. How to store Nimodipine

Store Nimodipine at room temperature, away from light and moisture, do not freeze, do not store in the bathroom, and keep it away from children and pets. Dispose of Nimodipine appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed.

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Reference source: webmd.com