NIMOTOP (NIMODIPINE)

Nimotop Description

Nimotop or generic Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB) your doctor may prescribe to prevent a cerebral vasospasm. This is a complication that stems from a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which is bleeding in your brain. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is usually the result of bleeding from a weakened area of the wall of a blood vessel, referred to as an aneurysm. Calcium channel blockers are commonly used for reducing blood pressure so Nimotop has proven to be effective when taken after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Nimotop Works

When taken as directed, Nimotop works by reducing the amount of calcium that enters your heart and flows through your blood vessels. This action allows the smooth muscles that surround your arteries to relax so your heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood around your body; and as the arteries are wider, there is less resistance against their walls that may have become weakened from the pressure of the intense blood flow. This lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk of a cerebral vasospasm. Nimotop is an aftercare treatment of SAH but is not a guarantee against a vasospasm as you must remain under the care of your doctor.

Short-term treatment usually involves intravenous drugs administered in hospital in order to try and stabilize your condition quickly. Long-term calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to reduce your risk of hypertension in future.

Conditions Treated by Nimotop

Brain aneurysms are more common than you might think and for the most part cause no symptoms or health issues. A subarachnoid hemorrhage can be hereditary in about 2% of cases where a close member of the family has experienced one; or a severe head injury may also be the cause. Your age, gender, the use of certain street drugs, and smoking could play a role in experiencing an SAH as well.

An aneurysm is an enlargement of an artery caused by a weak area of the arterial wall. This area can become bigger and may eventually rupture from the pressure of the blood flow inside. A subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when an artery supplying blood to your brain bursts and blood fills the space that contains your cerebrospinal fluid and large blood vessels.

Before Nimotop is Prescribed to You

Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor, including whether you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding, and list any OTC or Rx drugs, herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements you take or use. Your doctor can then determine if Nimotop is safe for you to take.

Nimotop Precautions and Proper Use

Do not start, stop, or change your dosage of any medications while taking Nimotop as it may increase your risk of a negative reaction. Keep Nimotop and other meds out of children’s sight and reach. You should not consume any alcohol during your treatment with Nimotop or you could experience serious side effects.

Possible Side Effects of Nimotop

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Flushing of your skin