Nimodipine is primarily used to counter the problems caused by lack of oxygen associated with cerebral hemorrhage.
What is Nimodipine?
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Its exact operating mechanism is not yet known.
How should Nimodipine be taken?
Nimodipine should be taken strictly orally. An injection can trigger very dangerous reactions that can be fatal. Nimodipine must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after a meal.
Side effects associated with Nimodipine
Nimodipine can cause permanent hearing loss, nerve damage and severe kidney problems. It can also exert a powerful muscle relaxant effect which may progress to paralysis and respiratory problems.
Among the other possible side effects of Nimodipine include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Redness
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Respiratory difficulties
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Faintness
- Persistent or severe dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden or unjustified weight gain
- Swelling of the hands or feet
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Nimodipine
Nimodipine should not be taken in the event of ongoing treatment with clarithromycin, delavirdine, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin and voriconazole. It is also necessary to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking its juice during treatment.
Treatment with Nimodipine can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect may be further aggravated by alcohol or certain medications. HHigh fever and prolonged physical exercise can also worsen symptoms of dizziness and faintness (especially in the morning).
Before starting treatment with Nimodipine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, or other medicines or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: medications against acid reflux, anxiety medication, depression or other mood disorders, birth control pills, anti-cancerous drugs, anti-diabetic agents, drugs for erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, high blood pressure medications, HIV drugs, drugs that suppress the immune system, drugs against infection, inflammation drugs, medications against heart problems, medications against low sodium levels in the blood, anti-nausea or vomiting medications, pulmonary hypertension drugs, convulsion and insomnia medications, multivitamins, Echinacea drugs and hypericum drugs
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from liver problems, low blood pressure or water retention
- You have recently had a heart attack
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Nimodipine.
