Nimodipine belongs to a class of medication called calcium channel blockers, used to relax the muscles in blood vessels and lead to vasodilation. It is used to treat subarachnoid hemorrhage within 96 hours.
Nimodipine can be taken orally as tablets on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, or injected through the veins for, at maximum, 21 consecutive days. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew it.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Adult
Oral: 60 mg every 4 hours for 21 consecutive days or until transitioned to injection. For those with hepatic impairment, the dose may be halved.
Intravenous injection: At an initial rate of 0.5 or 1 mg/hour for 2 hours, increased to 2 mg/hour for 5 to 14 days.
Common dosing schedule:
The intravenous formulation is prescribed for 2 hours for 5 to 14 days depending on the physician’s recommendation.
The oral formulation is taken every 4 hours for 21 consecutive days or until it is switched to IV therapy. For example, it can be taken at 8 (breakfast), 12 (lunch), 16 (tea time), 20 (after dinner).
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Nimodipine may interact with:
Nimodipine may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Nimodipine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Nimodipine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!