Nimodip Tablet is a medicine used to treat and prevent further damage to the brain after bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage or SAH). It is known as a calcium channel blocker and helps to improve blood flow to the brain and prevent changes in brain function.
Nimodip Tablet is usually started as soon as possible after bleeding around the brain (or SAH) is confirmed by the doctor. The exact dose and frequency will be decided by your doctor depending on your medical condition and response to treatment. It may be taken empty stomach or with a meal, but take it regularly as per your doctor’s instructions, to get the most benefit. Do not take any antacids for 2 hours before or after taking Nimodip Tablet as this can prevent the medicine from working properly. Do not stop taking this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may worsen if this medicine is stopped too soon.
The most common side effects include decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate (tachycardia), headache, stomach discomfort, nausea, rash, muscle cramp, and edema (swelling over the whole body). Consult your doctor If any of these bother you, or get worse, or do not go away.
Earlier taking Nimodip Tablet, let your doctor know if you have any heart or liver-related problems. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially some medicines used to treat seizures (fits) and those used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Your doctor will keep a watch on your blood pressure while you are taking this medicine.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Nimodip Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Side Effects:
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
Ordinary side effects of Nimodip
Headache
Nausea
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Slow heart rate
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Nimodip Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nimodip Tablet 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.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nimodip Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Nimodip Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Nimodip Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Nimodip Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Nimodip Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Nimodip Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
FAQs:
How does Nimodip Tablet work?
Nimodip Tablet 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).
What is Nimodip Tablet?
Nimodip Tablet belongs to a class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. Nimodip Tablet 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).
I am better now after taking Nimodip Tablet. Can I stop taking it?
No, do not stop taking Nimodip Tablet even if you start feeling better after taking it. This medicine is usually taken for 2 to 4 weeks. However, you must continue taking Nimodip Tablet in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor, your condition may worsen. Therefore, it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and keep your doctor informed if you face any issues while taking Nimodip Tablet.
What are the side effects of Nimodip Tablet?
The most common side effects of Nimodip Tablet are decreased blood pressure, headache, increased or decreased heart rate, nausea, rash, stomach discomfort, edema (swelling) and muscle cramps. These are usually not bothersome but you must consult your doctor if any of these worries you or gets worse.
What precautions do I need to take while taking Nimodip Tablet?
Communicate 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 Nimodip Tablet 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 Nimodip Tablet if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Nimodip Tablet should not be given to children below the age of 18 as the safety of Nimodip Tablet is not known in children. Do not take antacids for 2 hours before or after taking Nimodip Tablet as this may prevent the medication from working. Avoid taking alcohol while taking Nimodip Tablet as it may only worsen the dizziness that may occur as a side effect of Nimodip Tablet. You should not drive or do anything that requires focus as your alertness may be affected by Nimodip Tablet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to conceive, please consult your doctor before taking Nimodip Tablet.
How do I give Nimodip Tablet to a person who is unable to swallow properly?
If a person is unable to swallow properly, the doctor will suggest ways to give Nimodip Tablet via a nasogastric tube. You must not mix the contents of Nimodip Tablet into any other liquid or medicine as it may affect the working of the medicine. Nimodip Tablet should not be injected. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit.
What if I take an overdose of Nimodip Tablet by mistake?
If you take an overdose of Nimodip Tablet by mistake, get emergency medical help. Your blood pressure may decrease considerably and you may feel lightheaded or faint also. You may also experience irregular heart rate (fast or slow), making you feel sick or nauseated.
What if I forget to take a dose of Nimodip Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Nimodip Tablet, take it as soon as possible. Carry on taking that day’s dose at 4-hour intervals. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Can I take Nimodip Tablet with food?
Nimodip Tablet can be taken with or without food. Avoid eating grapefruit (chakotra) or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Nimodip Tablet.
Is Nimodip Tablet safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
No, Nimodip Tablet is not safe if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before taking, as it may cause harmful effects to the baby.
Written by:
Dr. Lokanish
M.B.B.S.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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