Use within 1 mth of MI or an episode of unstable angina. Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. clarithromycin, ritonavir, ketoconazole, nefazodone).
Although side effects from nimodipine are not common, the following can occur: headache, dizziness, flushing (feeling of warmth), heartburn, fast heartbeat, slow heartbeat, upset stomach, stomach pain, constipation, depression etc.
Use in Pregnancy: Large doses of nimodipine have been shown to cause birth defects in animals. Human studies have not been done. Before you take nimodipine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Use in Nursing Mothers: Nimodipine may pass into breast milk but has not been reported to cause problems; caution is advised. Consult your doctor for advice.
Patients with cerebral oedema or severely raised intracranial pressure. Contents of oral capsules should be given only by mouth or through a feeding tube. It must never be administered IV or by any other parenteral route. Hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.
Symptoms: Excessive peripheral vasodilation, systemic hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, GI complaints, nausea.
Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment. Admin of vasopressor may be necessary if significant hypotension occurs. IV Ca salts have been also used for hypotension.
