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Uses

What is nimodipine used for?

Nimodipine is commonly used to help improve brain function in people who have had a type of bleeding stroke called subarachnoid hemorrhage. 

Nimodipine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does nimodipine work (mechanism of action)?

Nimodipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily. This may help improve blood flow to the brain and improve brain function after a certain type of stroke.

How is nimodipine supplied (dosage forms)?

Nimodipine is available as Nymalize and generic nimodipine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 30 mg oral capsules
  • 6 mg/mL oral solution

How should I store nimodipine?

Nimodipine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nimodipine?

The most common side effects of nimodipine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)
  • Headache
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Slow heartbeat

There may be other side effects of nimodipine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nimodipine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nimodipine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Nimodipine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nimodipine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using nimodipine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nimodipine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take nimodipine.

  • Nymalize 
  • Nimodipine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nymalize or the specific nimodipine products they stock.

What should I know about nimodipine before using it?

Do not take nimodipine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share nimodipine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep nimodipine out of the reach of children.

Nimodipine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how nimodipine affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using nimodipine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if nimodipine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nimodipine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take nimodipine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Nimodipine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take nimodipine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does nimodipine interact with foods or drinks?

Nimodipine should be taken on an empty stomach. Avoid taking nimodipine within 1 hour before a meal or within 2 hours after a meal.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nimodipine. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking nimodipine.

Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can lead to increased levels of nimodipine in the body, which may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking nimodipine.

Does nimodipine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking nimodipine.

  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • Clarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan) or itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Nefazodone, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression 
  • Delavirdine, saquinavir, indinavir, nelfinavir and others, which are medicines for HIV or AIDS
  • Any medicine for high blood pressure

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of nimodipine, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with nimodipine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nimodipine?

If you or someone else has used too much nimodipine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of nimodipine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.