Nimotop

What is it?

A class II calcium antagonist available as film-coated, yellow tablets marked Bayer and SK, containing 30mg of nimodipine. Also, NIMOTOP INFUSION, a solution containing 0.2mg of nimodipine per ml in vials and bottles.

Medical Uses

Tablets, prevention of ischaemic, neurological defects after aneurysmal (ballooning in blood vessel) subaraehnoid (intracranial) haemorrhage. Infusion, treatment of neurological deficits after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Dosage

Adults, 2 tablets every 4 hours commencing within 4 days of the haemorrhage and continuing for 21 days. Infusion, 1mg each hour by intravenous infusion for initial 2 hours, then 2mg per hour for 5 to 14 days. For bodyweights under 70kg, or for unstable blood pressure, start at 0.5mg per hour. Must be given with co-infusion running at 40ml per hour and should not be combined with nimotop tablets. Special cure: pregnancy, raised intracranial pressure, cerebral oedema (fluid on the brain), kidney disease, low blood pressure (with infusion), liver cirrhosis. Check blood pressure. PVC apparatus should not be used- use polyethylene or polypropylene.

Avoid Use

Children.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cimetidine, β-blockers, anticonvulsants, nortriptyline, protease inhibitors, zidovudine, other calcium antagonists, methyldopa, azole antifungal drugs, sodium valproate, rifampicin, macrolides, fluoxetine, grapefruit juice, feeling of warmth, inflammation at injection site, short-lived rise in liver enzymes.