Sometimes, a person is hospitalized with a sudden severe headache and stiff neck. After tests, the doctors say that there is a small amount of bleeding around the brain. In medicine, we call this condition 'Subarachnoid Hemorrhage'. In such a serious case, a special medicine called Nimodipine is given to minimize the damage to the brain. Today, let's talk about this important medicine in simple terms.
What is Nimodipine?
Simply put, Nimodipine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called calcium-channel blockers . Its main function is to relax blood vessels in the brain, facilitating blood flow through them.
In the condition we discussed earlier, called 'Subarachnoid Hemorrhage', blood collects around the brain. As a reaction to this, the blood vessels in the brain can suddenly begin to constrict. If this happens, the brain will not receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs, and there is a possibility of serious damage to the brain. Nimodipine prevents those blood vessels from constricting, minimizing damage to the brain.
Although it is mainly used for this condition, in some cases your doctor may prescribe it for other conditions.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about your health before using Nimodipine. Be sure to tell them about the following:
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease.
- Allergies: If you have an allergic reaction to nimodipine or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or expecting a baby soon.
- Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding a child.
Talking openly with your doctor about anything like this will greatly help with the success of your treatment.
How exactly should I use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, you need to know how to use it correctly.
- How to take: Swallow this capsule with a full glass of water.
- Timing: It is very important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Usually, it is advised to take this medicine one hour before or two hours after a meal . This medicine is absorbed well by the body.
- Stopping: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. It is important to take the medicine for the full course, even if you feel better.
- For children: If giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it and seek advice.
- Sharing: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Nimodipine is a medication that can interact with other medications and foods, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
| Drug/substance category | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Grapefruit juice | Very important: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice completely while taking this medication. It can severely affect the effectiveness of the medication. |
| Medication for high blood pressure | This may interact with other blood pressure lowering medications. |
| Some antibiotics | Eg: clarithromycin, erythromycin |
| Antifungals | Ex: ketoconazole, itraconazole |
| Seizure medicines | Ex: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital |
| Medications for HIV or Hepatitis C | Some antiviral drugs for HIV and hepatitis C. |
| Other medications | Herbal remedies like St. John's Wort, birth control pills, antidepressants, etc. |
This list is not complete. Therefore, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
Things to be aware of when taking Nimodipine
- Medical Checkups: Attend clinics on the days prescribed by your doctor to monitor the progress of your medical condition.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Combining alcohol and Nimodipine can increase the risk of dangerously low blood pressure.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Nimodipine can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately |
|---|
| Difficulty breathing |
| Irregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations) |
| Heart rate is very slow. |
| Lightheadedness or fainting |
| Swelling of the legs or ankles |
| Unexplained bruising or unusual bleeding on the body |
| Unusually extreme fatigue |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist |
| Redness of the face or a feeling of heat or burning (flushing) |
| Headache |
| Nausea |
| Sweating |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children: Always keep medicines safely out of the reach of children.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Protect from freezing.
- Light: Store in a place protected from direct sunlight and light. Keep the foil packet containing the capsules in the original packaging until ready to use.
- Expiration: Throw away expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Nimodipine is a special medication that is mainly used to reduce brain damage in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- Always take this medicine at the dose and time prescribed by your doctor. Never stop taking it without medical advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and conditions such as liver disease.
- Completely avoid drinking alcohol and grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as changes in heart rate, difficulty breathing, or fainting.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.
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