Nimodipine Oral

Nimodipine Oral Uses

Nimodipine is used to decrease problems due to a certain type of bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage, SAH).

Nimodipine is called a calcium channel blocker. The body's natural response to bleeding is for the blood to form a clot and for the bleeding blood vessel to constrict to slow blood flow. Stopping blood flow to the brain, however, causes more brain damage. Nimodipine is thought to work by relaxing constricted blood vessels in the brain near the area of bleeding so blood can flow more easily. The brain damage is then lessened.

How To Use Nimodipine Oral

Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 hours on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) or as directed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsule whole. If you cannot swallow a whole capsule, you may poke a hole in the capsule, draw the nimodipine liquid out with an oral syringe, and give it by mouth or through a naso-gastric tube. Do not inject this medication.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, body size and response to therapy. If you have severe liver disease (cirrhosis) your dose may be decreased.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well or are not seeing any improvement in your symptoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse if the drug is stopped too soon.

Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

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Dosage and Storage