Sign inBefore taking nimodipine
Before taking nimodipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney or liver problems.
- If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you have angina and have chest pain when you are resting as well as during any exercise.
- If you have low blood pressure.
- If you have had a heart attack less than one month ago.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take nimodipine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
- Take nimodipine exactly as your doctor has told you.
- The usual dose of nimodipine is two tablets every four hours with a drink of water. A course of treatment usually lasts up to 21 days.
- You may take your doses before or after food.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with nimodipine. This is because grapefruit juice increases the levels of nimodipine in your blood.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then continue to take your tablets every four hours. It is important that you leave four hours between each dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can nimodipine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 100 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Headache | If the headache continues or is severe, speak with your doctor |
| Feeling sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Skin rash, allergic reactions, sweating, flushing, feeling warm, dizziness, feeling faint due to low blood pressure, and changes in heart-rate | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor. Do not drive or use tools or machines while you feel dizzy or faint |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store nimodipine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Nimotop® 30mg Tablets, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009.
- British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)