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Nimodipine

Uses

Nimodipine is used in the treatment of angina (heart-related chest pain), arrhythmia, hypertensive emergencies, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and anal fissures.

How it Works

How Nimodipine works: Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes the narrow blood vessels in the brain, facilitating easier blood flow. This action helps prevent brain damage following bleeding around the brain.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Nimodipine include headache, nausea, and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Expert Advice

  • Take Nimodipine as per the dose and duration suggested by your doctor.
  • A sudden drop in blood pressure may occur, especially when you first start taking Nimodipine.
  • To reduce the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
  • Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during treatment with this medicine.
  • Do not take any antacids for 2 hours before or after taking Nimodipine, as it may affect the efficacy of the medicine.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • Nimodipine has been prescribed to improve your blood pressure and/or to reduce the number and severity of angina attacks.
  • Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of future heart attacks and strokes.
  • Take it at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.
  • It can cause ankle or foot swelling; to reduce swelling, raise your legs while sitting.
  • Consult your doctor if the swelling does not go away.
  • It may cause dizziness; do not drive or perform any activity that requires mental focus until you know how Nimodipine affects you.

Other Combinations

Frequently asked questions

Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to prevent further brain damage following a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which occurs when a weak blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Nimodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels, improving blood flow to the brain, which reduces brain damage from internal bleeding and prevents vasospasm.
Nimodipine can be taken with or without food, but avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medication.
Common side effects include decreased blood pressure, headache, heart rate changes, nausea, rash, stomach discomfort, edema, and muscle cramps. Consult your doctor if any side effects are concerning or worsen.
No, do not stop taking Nimodipine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. It is typically prescribed for 2 to 4 weeks, and discontinuing it suddenly can worsen your condition.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with the next doses at 4-hour intervals. Do not double the dose to compensate for the missed one.
Inform your doctor about any history of head injury, bleeding, heart, brain, or liver issues, and all other medications you are taking. Nimodipine is not recommended for children under 18, and you should avoid antacids 2 hours before or after taking it. Limit alcohol intake and consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
No, Nimodipine is not considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before use, as it may harm the baby.
If someone cannot swallow, consult a doctor for administration via a nasogastric tube. Do not mix Nimodipine with other liquids or inject it. Follow the doctor's instructions closely.
Seek emergency medical help if you overdose on Nimodipine, as it may significantly lower blood pressure and cause lightheadedness or irregular heart rates.
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