Indications 

Nimotop is a prescribed medication utilized to mitigate potential brain damage resulting from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH – bleeding in the space around the brain caused by the rupture of a weakened blood vessel within the brain). 

Classified as a calcium channel blocker, Nimotop works by dilating narrowed blood vessels near the bleeding site, facilitating blood flow, and minimizing brain injury. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Nimotop and with each prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have queries or concerns. 

Nimotop should be promptly initiated as instructed by the doctor within 4 days of SAH diagnosis and should be continued for a minimum of 7 days but no longer than 14 days. 

Nimotop tablets should be swallowed whole, accompanied by a full glass of water, without crushing or chewing, regardless of mealtimes. 

For optimal results, take this medication regularly, exactly as directed, around the same times each day. Any modifications to the recommended dosage, frequency, and duration of intake should only be made with your doctor’s approval. 

Complete the entire course of Nimotop treatment, regardless of symptom improvement. Discontinuing this drug prematurely without consulting a physician may exacerbate your condition. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Nimotop. Inform your doctor right away if any of them persist or worsen. 

Common Side Effects 

• Signs of low blood pressure, such as feeling light-headed 
• Nausea 
• Upset stomach 
• Slow heartbeats 
• Muscle pain 

Serious Side Effects 

• A sensation of light-headedness, with a potential risk of fainting 
• Rapid or slow heart rate 
• Swelling observed in the ankles or feet 

Inform your doctor promptly if you experience any of the severe side effects mentioned above. 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Nimotop may occur. Get immediate medical assistance if you notice any of the following symptoms: 

• Rash 
• Itching or swelling (face, lips, tongue, or throat) 
• Trouble breathing 

Not all side effects of Nimotop are included in this list. In case any unlisted effects occur, inform your doctor right away.   

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Nimotop, inform your doctor and pharmacist of any known allergies, particularly to: 

• Nimodipine 
• Other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, nifedipine) 
• Other drugs 
• Any of the components of Nimotop tablets 

To ensure Nimotop is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Chest pain or recent heart attack 
• Low blood pressure 
• Recent head injury 
• Liver disease 

Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking to lower the chance of drug interaction with Nimotop. 

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen naproxen, for some of them may contain ingredients that may increase heart rate or blood pressure. Inquire about their safe usage. 

The effectiveness of Nimotop can be influenced by other medications that affect its elimination from the body. Examples of such medications include: 

• Apalutamide 
• Cimetidine 
• Enzalutamide 
• Ivosidenib 
• Lumacaftor 
• Mitotane 
• Azole antifungals (like itraconazole)  
• Macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin) 
• Rifamycins (like rifabutin) 
• St. John’s wort 
• Drugs used to treat seizures (like carbamazepine and phenytoin) 

Grapefruit can cause adverse effects when combined with Nimotop. Refrain from consuming grapefruit products while taking this medication. 

Nimotop may cause dizziness, and alcohol or cannabis can exacerbate this effect. Restrict alcohol consumption, consult with a physician if using cannabis, and refrain from operating machinery or driving until fully alert. 

The administration of Nimotop during pregnancy is only permissible if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. 

Nursing mothers are advised against breastfeeding while taking Nimotop, as nimodipine has been demonstrated to be present in breast milk, along with its metabolites.