Nimotop (Nimodipine)

Nimotop

Generic name: Nimodipine

Nimodipine capsules

What are nimodipine capsules?

NIMODIPINE (Nimotop®) is a calcium-channel blocker. It affects the flow of calcium in and out of certain cells in your body and relaxes blood vessels. Nimodipine is used to treat subarachnoid hemorrhage, a condition in which severe headaches and stiff neck are caused by bleeding into the space around the brain. Generic nimodipine capsules are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart problems, slow heart rate
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nimodipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take nimodipine capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Avoid taking nimodipine with grapefruit juice or grapefruit. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose, Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with nimodipine?

Do not take Nimodipine with any of the following:

• grapefruit juice

Nimodipine may also interact with the following medications:

• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• bosentan
• calcium salts (intravenous)
• cimetidine
• herbal or dietary supplements such as gingko biloba, ginseng, hawthorn, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, St. John's wort, went yeast
• imatinib, STI-571
• local anesthetics or general anesthetics
• medicines for fungal infections (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole)
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
• medicines for prostate problems
• medicines for seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone)
• rifampin, rifapentine, or rifabutin
• some antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin)
• some medicines for heart-rhythm problems (amiodarone, diltiazem, verapamil)
• some medicines for depression or mental problems (fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone)
• valproic acid
• water pills (diuretics)
• yohimbine
• zafirlukast
• zileuton

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking nimodipine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or drowsiness
• irregular or fast heartbeats (palpitations)
• lightheadedness or fainting
• slow heartbeat
• swelling of the legs or ankles
• unusual bleeding or bruising, red spots on skin
• unusual weakness or tiredness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• flushing
• headache
• nausea
• sweating

What should I watch for while taking nimodipine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Alcohol can increase the chance of getting low blood pressure. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking nimodipine.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep foil packaged capsules in their original foil until needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.