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Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medications (Calcium & Beta Blockers) > Nimotop and Equivalent

Nimotop Information

Nimotop (nimodipine) is a calcium channel blocker used to improve neurological outcomes by reducing the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits in adult patients following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a serious condition where bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the surrounding membrane. Nimodipine selectively blocks L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels, particularly in the cerebral arteries. This action helps to prevent or alleviate vasospasm, a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain that can occur after SAH and lead to reduced blood flow, causing further brain damage. Nimodipine aims to reduce the risk of neurological complications and improve patient recovery by maintaining adequate blood flow to the brain. It is typically administered orally, starting within 96 hours of the SAH and continued for 21 days.

Nimotop Side Effects

Common side effects of Nimotop may include headache, flushing (feeling of warmth and redness), and mild, transient increases in liver enzymes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reaction symptoms, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Agitation
• Changes in heart rhythm
• Confusion
• Congestive heart failure
• Difficulty breathing
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage (bleeding in the digestive tract)
• Increase in heart rate (tachycardia)
• Ileus (lack of bowel movement)
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle pain
• Myocardial ischemia/infarction (chest pain related to reduced blood flow to the heart)
• Peripheral edema (swelling of arms, legs, hands, or feet)
• Significant and persistent elevation in liver enzymes
• Significant decrease in blood pressure (hypotension)
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Swelling of the ankles or feet
• Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
• Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

Other potential side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea or vomiting. It is important to promptly report any unusual symptoms or changes in your condition to your healthcare provider.

Nimotop Precautions

Do not use Nimotop if you are allergic to nimodipine or its ingredients. Before taking Nimotop, inform your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver problems or unstable angina. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as Nimotop can interact with other medicines. Significant interactions can occur with other calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, certain antibiotics (like erythromycin and rifampin), antifungals (like ketoconazole and itraconazole), cimetidine, valproic acid, and nefazodone. Patients taking other medications for high blood pressure should be monitored closely, as Nimotop can further lower blood pressure. Grapefruit juice may also interact with nimodipine, increasing its levels in the blood and potentially increasing the risk of side effects; avoiding consuming grapefruit juice while taking Nimotop is generally recommended. The use of Nimotop during pregnancy has not been adequately studied, and it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is unknown if nimodipine passes into breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administering Nimotop to a nursing woman.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Nimotop comes as a capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not chew, crush, or break it. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may puncture it and administer the contents orally or via a nasogastric tube, following your doctor's or healthcare provider's instructions carefully. When using a nasogastric tube, flush the tube with normal saline after administering the medication. Your doctor will determine the duration of your treatment with Nimotop, typically for 21 days. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored during treatment. Store Nimotop at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Nimotop?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Nimotop.