Pricing
Prices are indicative MRP and may vary by pharmacy. Trend compares against the last recorded price.
All price changes →Indications & Uses
Nimocal helps improve neurological recovery after a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured berry aneurysm in the brain. It works by lowering the risk and severity of ischemic damage (reduced blood flow to brain tissue) that can follow this type of bleeding. It is used for this purpose regardless of the patient's neurological condition following the initial bleeding episode.
Pharmacology
Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker. The muscle cells in the walls of blood vessels need calcium ions to contract. These ions enter the cells slowly when the cells are activated. Nimodipine blocks calcium from getting into these cells, so the blood vessel muscle relaxes and contracts less. The drug has a stronger effect on the arteries in the brain than on arteries elsewhere in the body. This may be because it is highly lipophilic, which lets it cross the blood-brain barrier. In patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who were taking nimodipine, levels as high as 12.5 ng/mL have been found in the cerebrospinal fluid. Exactly how nimodipine works in SAH in humans is not known. Clinical studies show that it improves the severity of neurological deficits caused by cerebral vasospasm after SAH. However, there is no arteriographic evidence that the drug either prevents or relieves the spasm in these arteries.
Nimodipine is absorbed quickly after it is taken by mouth, and peak levels are usually reached within one hour. The final elimination half-life is about 8 to 9 hours, but in the early stage the drug clears much faster, with a half-life of 1 to 2 hours. Because of this, the medicine has to be given frequently, every 4 hours. More than 95% of nimodipine binds to plasma proteins. Almost all of it is eliminated as metabolites, and less than 1% is found in the urine as unchanged drug. Much of the dose is broken down in the liver before it reaches the general circulation (high first-pass metabolism), so the bioavailability of nimodipine after oral use averages 13%. In patients with hepatic cirrhosis, bioavailability is much higher. Their Cmax is about double that of healthy people, so the dose needs to be lowered in this group.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Adult: The initial dose is 60 mg every four hours for 21 consecutive days, preferably taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Oral Nimodipine therapy should begin within 96 hours of the subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Use in Pediatric Patients: No specific information is available on the use of this medication in pediatric patients.
Side Effects
Side effects with Nimocal are uncommon, but some people may notice headache, dizziness, or flushing (a warm feeling). Others may experience heartburn, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, an upset stomach, stomach pain, constipation, or low mood, among other possible effects.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Blood pressure: Nimocal produces the hemodynamic effects expected of a calcium channel blocker, though these are generally mild. Blood pressure should be monitored carefully during treatment with Nimocal, in line with its known pharmacology and the effects typical of calcium channel blockers. Hepatic disease: In patients with impaired hepatic function, the metabolism of Nimocal is reduced. These patients should have their blood pressure and pulse rate monitored closely and should be given a lower dose.
Contraindications
Use within 1 month of a heart attack (MI) or an episode of unstable angina. Concomitant use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. clarithromycin, ritonavir, ketoconazole, nefazodone).
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: In animal studies, high doses of nimodipine were linked to birth defects, but no studies have been done in humans. Let your doctor know before starting nimodipine if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Small amounts of nimodipine can pass into breast milk; no problems have been reported so far, but it's still worth using with caution. Talk to your doctor for guidance.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Storage
Store Nimodipine below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Nimocal 30 mg
What is Nimocal 30 mg Tablet?
Nimocal 30 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Nimodipine. It is made by Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna. It belongs to the Calcium-channel blockers group of medicines.
What is Nimocal used for?
Nimocal helps improve neurological recovery after a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured berry aneurysm in the brain. It works by lowering the risk and severity of ischemic damage (reduced blood flow to brain tissue) that can follow this type of bleeding.
What are the side effects of Nimocal?
Side effects with Nimocal are uncommon, but some people may notice headache, dizziness, or flushing (a warm feeling). Others may experience heartburn, an unusually fast or slow heartbeat, an upset stomach, stomach pain, constipation, or low mood, among other possible effects.
Can I take Nimocal during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: In animal studies, high doses of nimodipine were linked to birth defects, but no studies have been done in humans. Let your doctor know before starting nimodipine if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Nimocal?
Store Nimodipine below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Nimocal?
Some medicines can interact with Nimodipine, for example: Melatonin, Carbamazepine, Rifampicin, Sodium Valproate, Cimetidine, Phenytoin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Nimocal is already among the lowest-priced brands of Nimodipine at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Nimocal?
Nimocal is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.