Nimotop (Nimodipine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Nimotop

Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) »

What are calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and how do they work?

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries.

The entry of calcium is critical for the conduction of the electrical signal that passes from muscle cell to muscle cell of the heart, and signals the cells to contract.
It also is necessary in order for the muscle cells to contract and thereby pump blood.
In the arteries, the entry of calcium into muscle cells causes contraction of the cells and thereby dilates (widens) the arteries.
Thus, by blocking the entry of calcium, calcium channel blockers reduce electrical conduction within the heart, decrease the force of contraction (work) of the muscle cells, and dilate arteries.
Dilation of the arteries reduces blood pressure and thereby the effort the heart must exert to pump blood.
Combined with decr...

Read the Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs) article »

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NIMOTOP®
(nimodipine) Capsules

DO NOT ADMINISTER NIMOTOP (nimodipine) INTRAVENOUSLY OR BY OTHER PARENTERAL ROUTES. DEATHS AND SERIOUS, LIFE THREATENING ADVERSE EVENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN THE CONTENTS OF NIMOTOP (nimodipine) CAPSULES HAVE BEEN INJECTED PARENTERALLY (See WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Nimotop® (nimodipine) belongs to the class of pharmacological agents known as calcium channel blockers. Nimodipine is isopropyl 2 - methoxyethyl 1, 4 - dihydro - 2, 6 - dimethyl - 4 - (m-nitrophenyl) - 3, 5 - pyridinedicarboxylate. It has a molecular weight of 418.5 and a molecular formula of C₂₁H₂₆N₂O₇. The structural formula is:

NIMOTOP® (nimodipine) Structural Formula Illustration

Nimodipine is a yellow crystalline substance, practically insoluble in water.

NIMOTOP® (nimodipine) capsules are formulated as soft gelatin capsules for oral administration. Each liquid filled capsule contains 30 mg of nimodipine in a vehicle of glycerin, peppermint oil, purified water and polyethylene glycol 400. The soft gelatin capsule shell contains gelatin, glycerin, purified water and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of nimodipine (Nimotop)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using nimodipine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

unusually fast or slow heartbeats;
fainting or severe dizziness;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
swelling in your legs or ankles.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely. Continue taking nimodipine...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Nimotop »

What are the precautions when taking nimodipine (Nimotop)?

Before taking nimodipine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (such as amlodipine, nifedipine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: chest pain/recent heart attack, low blood pressure, recent head injury, liver disease.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist...

Read All Potential Precautions of Nimotop »

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/9/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.