Nimotop

1 What is Nimotop?

Brand: Nimotop, Nymalize

Generic: Nimodipine

Nimotop is a calcium blocker used for the treatment of symptoms resulting from subarachnoid hemorrhage.

This drug works by increasing the blood flow to injured brain tissue. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Nimotop, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of nimodipine have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of nimodipine.

Adjustments in the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems. Adverse effects have reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Boceprevir
  • Clarithromycin
  • Conivaptan
  • Delavirdine
  • Indinavir
  • Ketoconazole
  • Lopinavir
  • Nefazodone
  • Nelfinavir
  • Posaconazole
  • Ritonavir
  • Saquinavir
  • Telaprevir
  • Telithromycin
  • Voriconazole
  • Carbamazepine
  • Ceritinib
  • Clopidogrel
  • Cobicistat
  • Dantrolene
  • Dexamethasone
  • Fosphenytoin
  • Idelalisib
  • Lacosamide
  • Nilotinib
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Rifampin
  • Rifapentine
  • St John's Wort
  • Dalfopristin
  • Quinupristin
  • Valproic Acid

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems such as liver disease.

3 Proper Usage

To use Nimotop properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

This drug is usually given within 96 hours of having the condition. It is recommended to take this drug at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

You can put a hole in both ends of the capsule and remove its contents using a syringe if the capsule cannot be swallowed or if you are using this drug with a nasogastric tube.

The syringe must be used to give the drug orally or through the NGT. This drug must not be injected into the veins, muscles, or skin. It is recommended to measure your dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or drug cup. Use the oral syringe that comes with the package to measure the dose if the drug is going to be given through a nasogastric or gastric tube.

To flush any remaining drug in the nasogastric tube into the stomach, refill the syringe with saline solution. It is not recommended to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this drug.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with subarachnoid hemorrhage are given 60 milligrams or two 30 mg capsules every 4 hours for 21 days. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

Adults with subarachnoid hemorrhage are given 20 milliliters every 4 hours for 21 consecutive days. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Nimotop, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Your blood pressure will be monitored during treatment with this drug.

Call your healthcare professional immediately if you notice any changes to your recommended blood pressure. This drug may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.

Consult with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Nimotop. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

6 Related Clinical Trials

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