Nimodipine

About Nimodipine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as calcium channel blockers.

Nimodipine is used to prevent and treat problems caused by burst blood vessels in the brain.

Nimodipine works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which reduces the risk of further damage.

Nimodipine is available in tablet and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Nimotop. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Nimodipine

Before taking nimodipine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney or liver problems
• if you have suffered from a heart attack less than one month ago
• if you suffer from unstable angina (chest pain, which occurs during rest as well as during exercise)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription

How to Take Nimodipine

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take nimodipine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow nimodipine whole with a glass of water.
• Do not stop taking nimodipine, without speaking to your doctor first.
• Try to take nimodipine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose of nimodipine take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate. If in doubt speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Nimodipine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of nimodipine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside nimodipine.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking nimodipine. Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are being treated with nimodipine.
• When you first start taking nimodipine you may experience headaches and hot flushes. This usually goes away a few days after starting treatment.
• Nimodipine may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and by drinking plenty of water.
• Nimodipine can cause dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

Can Nimodipine cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

A fast or slow heartbeat, flushing (redness of the face), headache, diarrhoea, constipation, feeling sick or sweating.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Nimodipine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 29/07/2003