Nimodipine (Nimotop®) Information for Patients and Families
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Nimodipine (Nimotop®) Information for patients and families Available as: 30 mg tablets The usual dose is 60 mg every 4 hours around the clock, for a total of 21 days. Dosing times while you were in hospital were: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Remember: • You must take nimodipine at the same times every day. • Take nimodipine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. Why am I taking this medicine? Nimodipine is used in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the space surrounding the brain). Nimodipine helps prevent vasospasm. Vasospasm narrows the inside of the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the brain. Nimodipine helps keep the blood vessels open and improve blood flow to the brain. What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and then continue on your usual schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. 2 Before you take this medicine Before you start taking nimodipine, tell your doctor if: • You are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding • You have a history heart or liver disease Where can I get this medicine? • Fill your nimodipine prescription at St. Michael’s Hospital Prescription Care Centre outpatient pharmacy. • Nimodipine is rarely used in the community, so most retail pharmacies do not stock this medicine. • Talk to your nurse, social worker, case manager or pharmacist, if you do not have drug coverage and think you may need help to cover the cost of nimodipine. 3 Who should I tell that I’m taking this medicine? Tell everyone involved in your health care that you are taking nimodipine. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any other medicine. This includes prescription drugs, as well as any you may buy over the counter. Can I drive while taking this medicine? When you start taking this medicine, avoid driving and doing things that require you to be alert. See how nimodipine affects you before starting these activities again. Are there any diet restrictions? While taking nimodipine: • Do not drink alcohol • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice 4 What side effects are possible? You may have some side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any side effect bothers you or does not go away. Some common side effects are: • Low blood pressure (you feel light-headed, dizzy, or faint) • Headache • Nausea, vomitting • Sweating, flushing • Having looser bowel movements, and having them more often 5 Call your doctor or go to Emergency immediately if you have any of these side effects: • Irregular heartbeat (too hard, too fast, skipping a beat or fluttering) • An allergic reaction such as: ○ Swelling in your face, eyes, tongue ○ Trouble swallowing ○ Wheezing ○ Hives or itching or a rash ○ Tightness or discomfort in your chest ○ Trouble breathing • Yellowing of the skin or eyes 6 How should I store this medicine? Store the tablets at room temperature. Keep them away from heat, moisture and direct light. Keep the tablets where children cannot see or reach them. Do you have any questions or concerns about this medicine? Talk to your doctor. A pharmacist can also answer your questions. Call __________________________ Ask for ________________________ 7 St. Michael’s cares about your health. For reliable health information, visit our Patient and Family Learning Centre, or find us online at wwwstmichaelshospital.com/learn This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Ask your healthcare provider about this information if you have questions. 30 Bond Street, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8 Canada 416.864.6060 stmichaelshospital.com 71509 Dev. Jun21 2018 V2.