Nimodipine
Introduction To Nimodipine
Nimodipine is a medicine used to treat and prevent further damage to the brain after subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain). It is known as a calcium channel blocker and helps to improve blood flow to the brain and prevents changes in brain function.
Nimodipine is given under the supervision of a doctor. The dose depends on what you are taking it for and the severity of your condition. Keep taking the injection for as long as advised by your doctor. Follow your doctor's advice while taking this medicine.
The most common side effects include rash, headache, stomach discomfort, low blood pressure, and slow heartbeat. Consult your doctor If any of these bother you, or get worse, or won't go away. It makes you feel dizzy. Avoid driving, or any kind of machinery work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Before taking it, let your doctor know if you have any heart-related problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor for advice before taking this medicine. You also need to tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking - especially those used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions.
Uses of Nimodipine
- Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Benefits of Nimodipine
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing the narrowed
blood vessels in the brain so that blood can flow more easily. This prevents
further brain damage after bleeding around the brain. It is given as an
injection and started as soon as possible after bleeding in the brain is
confirmed. Your doctor may switch to a tablet form once treatment with
Nimodipine is completed. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to get
the maximum benefit from this medicine.
Side effects of Nimodipine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Nimodec
- Rash
- Headache
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Decreased blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
How to use Nimodipine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self- administer.
How Nimodipine works
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes the narrow blood vessels in the brain and makes the blood flow more easily. This prevents brain damage after bleeding around the brain.
Quick tips
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Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during the treatment with this medicine.
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A sudden drop in your blood pressure may occur, especially when you first start taking Nimodipine. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
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Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Nimodipine if I’m pregnant?
Nimodipine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Nimodipine if I’m breastfeeding?
Nimodipine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Nimodipine safe?
Nimodipine may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Nimodipine?
Nimodipine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Nimodipine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Nimodipine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Nimodipine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Nimodipine if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Nimodipine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Nimodipine?
Nimodipine belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. Nimodipine is used to prevent any further damage to the brain function which happens after subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding around the brain when a weak nerve in the brain bursts).
Q. How does Nimodipine work?
Nimodipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels so that blood can flow easily through them, thereby improving the blood supply to the brain. This as a result decreases brain damage due to internal bleeding in the brain and also prevents vasospasm (reflex narrowing of blood vessels caused by this bleeding).
Q. What precautions do I need to take while taking Nimodipine?
Talk to your doctor if you ever had head injury or bleeding in and around the brain. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. If you have been taking this medicine through a drip, it is likely that you may be switched to a tablet form of Nimodipine to continue your treatment, once the drip is stopped. Inform your doctor if you have any problems with your heart, brain or liver. Do not take Nimodipine if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Nimodipine should not be given to children below the age of 18 as the safety of Nimodipine is not known in children. Do not take antacids for 2 hours before or after taking Nimodipine as this may prevent the medication from working. Avoid taking alcohol while taking Nimodipine as it may only worsen the dizziness that may occur as a side effect of Nimodipine. You should not drive or do anything that requires focus as your alertness may be affected by Nimodipine. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive, please consult your doctor before taking Nimodipine.
Q. How is Nimodipine administered?
Nimodipine is administered by a doctor or nurse, using a drip as a slow injection into a vein. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration depending on your illness and your total body weight. Once the drip is stopped, it is likely that you are switched to a tablet form of Nimodipine to continue your treatment. Follow your doctor;s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Nimodipine.
Q. Can Nimodipine be taken along with tablet form of Nimodipine?
No. Nimodipine cannot be taken along with tablet form of Nimodipine. Once the drip is stopped, your doctor may switch you to the tablet form of Nimodipine to continue your treatment.
Q. What are the side effects of Nimodipine?
The most common side effects of Nimodipine are rash, headache, stomach discomfort, nausea, decreased blood pressure or increased heart rate. These are usually not bothersome but you must consult your doctor if any of these worries you or gets worse.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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