nimodipine at a glance
Medicine class
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker
Main role
Reduces ischaemic neurological complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Food warning
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can increase exposure and lower blood pressure further
What is nimodipine used for?
The selected products are used for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Tablets prevent ischaemic neurological deficits following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
The infusion treats ischaemic neurological deficits following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Use after traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage is not recommended because a favourable benefit–risk balance has not been established.
How does nimodipine work?
Nimodipine blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. It dilates smaller cerebral arteries, improving perfusion in poorly supplied areas and reducing constriction after haemorrhage.
nimodipine preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 0.02%
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 30 mg
How to take nimodipine
Follow the specialist team’s instructions and do not alter treatment yourself.
Swallow tablets whole with a little water, with or without food.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
The infusion is given in hospital through a central venous catheter using specialist equipment; it must not be mixed with other medicines.
If an enteral feeding tube is needed, the clinical team may direct that a tablet is crushed and administered immediately.
nimodipine side effects
Common or expected effects
- The selected product information does not classify any effects as common. Reported uncommon effects include headache, nausea, flushing, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure and rash.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure causing severe dizziness, fainting or collapse
- Unusually slow or symptomatic fast heartbeat
- Unexpected bleeding or bruising
- Severe abdominal swelling, pain or persistent vomiting
- Pain or inflammation around an infusion site
nimodipine in pregnancy
Evidence in pregnancy is limited. Nimodipine should be considered only after a specialist weighs potential benefits against possible fetal risks and the severity of the neurological condition.
nimodipine while breastfeeding
Nimodipine and its metabolites enter human milk. Product information advises not breastfeeding during treatment; discuss feeding options promptly with the specialist and maternity or neonatal team.
nimodipine interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescription and complementary products with the clinical team.
Rifampicin
Contraindicated with oral nimodipine because it can substantially reduce nimodipine exposure and effectiveness.
Phenobarbital, phenytoin or carbamazepine
Contraindicated with oral nimodipine because these can substantially reduce its effectiveness.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
These may increase nimodipine exposure and the risk of low blood pressure.
Common questions about nimodipine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can nimodipine tablets be taken with food?
Yes. They may be taken with or without food and swallowed with a little water.
Why must grapefruit be avoided?
Grapefruit inhibits nimodipine metabolism, which can increase medicine levels and make low blood pressure more likely.
Can nimodipine be used during pregnancy?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.