Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker most commonly used to help prevent brain blood-vessel spasms after a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain). It’s not a routine blood pressure drug for everyday hypertension — it’s prescribed to protect brain tissue after certain types of brain bleed. If your healthcare team mentions nimodipine, here’s the clear, practical info you’ll want to know.
The usual oral dose for adults after subarachnoid hemorrhage is 60 mg every 4 hours for 21 days, starting as soon as it’s safe to give by mouth. Nimodipine is mostly given by mouth; intravenous use is dangerous and not recommended in standard practice because of severe hypotension risk. If someone can’t swallow tablets, talk to the treating doctor or pharmacist — they’ll decide if an oral solution or another plan is appropriate.
Nimodipine works by relaxing small blood vessels in the brain so they don’t spasm and cut off blood flow. That lowers the chance of stroke from delayed vasospasm after bleeding. Because it affects blood vessels, the main thing to watch for is blood pressure dropping too low.
Common side effects are headache, flushing, nausea, and low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting). Serious signs to act on: fainting, very low blood pressure, very slow heart rate, or sudden severe dizziness. If any of those happen, get medical help right away.
Drug interactions matter. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole, clarithromycin, some HIV protease inhibitors) can raise nimodipine levels and increase the risk of low blood pressure. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can do the same; avoid them while on nimodipine. Also be careful if you’re taking other blood-pressure medicines — combinations can drop your pressure too far.
Kidney problems don’t usually change nimodipine dosing, but severe liver disease can raise drug levels. Tell your team if you have liver issues. Pregnancy and breastfeeding data are limited; if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss risks and alternatives with your provider.
Don’t crush or inject nimodipine unless a specialist says it’s safe and provides exact instructions. Alcohol can make dizziness and low BP worse, so avoid drinking while taking nimodipine. Always follow the hospital or pharmacy instructions for timing and monitoring.
If you want more context or related reads, this tag page also links to articles about other calcium channel blockers and common meds that come up in neurology and cardiology care — for example comparisons of nifedipine and amlodipine or guides on safe online pharmacies. If you’re ever unsure, call your doctor or pharmacist before making changes.
Questions for your provider: how long should I stay on nimodipine, what signs should I report, can I take my other meds with it, and are there special instructions if I can’t swallow pills? Keep those handy—clear answers matter when you’re managing brain health after a bleed.
In my latest research, I've uncovered some exciting possibilities for treating Parkinson's disease using nimodipine. It's a calcium channel blocker primarily used for treating brain hemorrhages, but scientists are finding it may have benefits for Parkinson's sufferers too. Studies show nimodipine can protect dopamine-producing cells, which are often damaged in Parkinson's. This kind of treatment could potentially slow down the disease's progression. There's still more research to be done, but the future for nimodipine in Parkinson's treatment looks promising.
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