Nimodipine capsules

What is this medication?

NIMODIPINE (nye MOE di peen) is a calcium-channel blocker. This medicine is used to treat subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is a condition in which there is bleeding into the space around the brain that causes severe headaches and stiff neck.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nimotop

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•liver disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to nimodipine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. It is best to take this medicine at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Continue to take your medicine even if you feel better. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose, Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• amiodarone
• birth control pills
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin
• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole
• certain medicines for hepatitis C infection like boceprevir and telaprevir
• certain medicines for HIV like amprenavir, atazanavir, delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir
• certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and valproic acid
• cimetidine
• conivaptan
• grapefruit juice
• medicines for high blood pressure
• rifampin
• St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Alcohol can increase the chance of getting low blood pressure. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•difficulty breathing

•dizziness or drowsiness

•irregular or fast heartbeats (palpitations)

•lightheadedness or fainting

•slow heartbeat

•swelling of the legs or ankles

•unusual bleeding or bruising, red spots on skin

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•flushing

•headache

•nausea

•sweating

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep foil packaged capsules in their original foil until needed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.