What is Nimodipine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Nimodipine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Nimotop, Nymalize

Generic Names:

  • Nimodipine

Uses:

  • Helps reduce brain damage caused by bleeding in the brain from a burst blood vessel. This medicine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Cardiovascular Agent

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Nimodipine used for?

Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocking agent used to prevent brain damage in patients who have suffered from an aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel in the brain has been ruptured or dilated. Nimodipine works to improve the flow of blood in the brain by opening the blood vessel.

What form(s) does Nimodipine come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Liquid Filled Capsule

What are common Nimodipine doses?

  • Capsule 30MG

Common Nimodipine prescriptions

  • niMODipine
    30mg capsule

How to take Nimodipine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is usually given within 96 hours of the time that the bleeding starts.

  • It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

  • Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open it.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • If the oral liquid is going to be given through a feeding tube, use the oral syringe that comes with the package to measure the dose. For each dose, refill the syringe with saline solution to flush any remaining medicine in the feeding tube into the stomach.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • It is best to take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

  • If the oral liquid is going to be given through a feeding tube, use the oral syringe that comes with the package to measure the dose. For each dose, refill the syringe with saline solution to flush any remaining medicine in the feeding tube into the stomach.

  • Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not chew, crush, or open it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. This medicine is usually given within 96 hours of the time that the bleeding starts.

What to do if you miss a dose of Nimodipine

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Nimodipine contraindications

  • Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nimodipine.

Nimodipine warnings

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine might lower your blood pressure. You will need to have your blood pressure measured during treatment. If you notice any changes to your recommended blood pressure, call your doctor right away. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), low or high blood pressure, or heart failure.

Nimodipine interactions

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you are also using blood pressure medicine (such as amlodipine, atenolol, clonidine, lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Avapro®, Benicar®, Cozaar®, Diovan® Lotrel®, Toprol®), a diuretic (water pill, such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, torsemide, Lasix®), or medicine to treat impotence (such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, Cialis®, Levitra®, Viagra®).

  • There are many other medicines that can interact with nimodipine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using. This includes over-the-counter medicines that can increase your blood pressure (such as diet pills, cold and allergy medicines, or asthma medicines).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using echinacea, St John's wort, alprazolam (Xanax®), amiodarone (Cordarone®), aprepitant (Emend®), armodafinil (Nuvigil®), bosentan (Tracleer®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®), conivaptan (Vaprisol®), isoniazid (Nydrazid®), modafinil (Provigil®), pioglitazone (Actos®), prednisone (Orasone®), vemurafenib (Zelboraf®), medicine to treat depression (such as fluoxetine, nefazodone, Prozac®, Serzone®), medicine to treat infection (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nafcillin, posaconazole, rifampin, telithromycin, voriconazole, Nizoral®, Rifadin®, Rimactane®), medicine to treat HIV infection (such as amprenavir, atazanavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, Crixivan®, Kaletra®, Lexiva®, Norvir®, Prezista®, Reyataz®, Rescriptor®), medicine to treat hepatitis C (such as boceprevir, telaprevir, Incivek®, Victrelis®), medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, Depakene®, Dilantin®, Tegretol®), or birth control pills.

Nimodipine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Diarrhea, nausea

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