What is Nimotop (nimodipine)?

Nimodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Nimodipine relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Nimodipine is used to prevent brain damage caused by reduced blood flow to the brain resulting from aneurysm (AN-yor-iz-m), a dilated or ruptured blood vessel in the brain.

Nimodipine may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Important safety information:

• Nimotop (Nimodipine) may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Nimotop . Using Nimotop (Nimodipine) alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• LAB TESTS, including blood pressure, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and laboratory appointments.
• Use Nimotop with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Nimotop (Nimodipine) with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Nimotop during pregnancy. It is unknown if Nimotop (Nimodipine) is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you are using Nimotop .

What is the most important information I should know about Nimotop (nimodipine)?

Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, low blood pressure, high blood pressure (hypertension) for which you take medicine, or a history of heart problems such as congestive heart failure, a slow heart rate, or heart attack.

Nimodipine gel capsules are to be taken by mouth only. The medicine in the capsule should never be placed into a needle and syringe and injected into a vein. If the person taking nimodipine cannot swallow the capsule, use a needle to make a hole in each end of the capsule, and squeeze the medicine out into an oral syringe. The syringe can then be used to give the medicine through a nasogastric (through the nose and into the stomach) tube.

How to use Nimotop (Nimodipine) :

Use Nimotop (Nimodipine) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Nimotop (Nimodipine) on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Nimotop .
• If you miss a dose of Nimotop (Nimodipine) , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nimotop (Nimodipine) .

What should I avoid while taking Nimotop (nimodipine)?