Bredin Tablet 30mg Tablets

Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It relaxes blood vessels in the brain so that more blood can reach damaged areas.

It is used to reduce brain damage that can follow a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a bleed around the brain from a burst blood vessel. Treatment is started as soon as possible after the bleed and continued for a set course.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, on a regular schedule through the day.

• Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Swallow capsules whole with water. It may be given through a feeding tube if needed.
• Finish the full course, even if you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects include:

• headache
• diarrhoea or feeling sick
• muscle pain
• rash

Contact your doctor straight away if you have:

• dizziness or light-headedness (your blood pressure may be too low)
• a slow or fast heartbeat
• swelling of the hands, arms, feet or legs

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• are allergic to nimodipine
• have or have had liver disease
• take cimetidine, echinacea, St John's wort or any other medicines or supplements
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Keep in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

By mouth only: the contents of nimodipine capsules must never be injected into a vein, as this can cause dangerous, life-threatening effects.

Grapefruit: do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking it.

Your blood pressure will be checked regularly during treatment.