Patient Assistance & Copay Programs for Nimodipine Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are usually sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and provide free or discounted medicines and copay programs to low income or uninsured and under-insured people who meet specific guidelines. Eligibility requirements vary for each program.
Full Answer
What is the generic name for nimodipine?
Nimodipine (C21H26N2O7) is a second-generation 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It was initially invented for the management of systemic hypertension. The FDA approved the use of nimodipine for the first time in 1988. However, its use is restricted mainly to the management of vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
What is the role of nimodipine in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Nimodipine should be given to patients with no neurological deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage to reduce the onset of new neurological deficits due to vasospasm. (Cerebral arterial spasm controlled trial of nimodipine in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 1983)[1]
Who can administer nimodipine?
Nimodipine therapy is best when under the direction of an interprofessional team. A cardiologist or internal medicine specialist will most frequently initiate treatment. Nurses often use nimodipine in the intensive care unit (ICU) and on the neurosurgical floor.
What are the side effects of nimodipine?
Nimodipine is usually well tolerated orally, but its use correlates with some side effects, related to the vasodilating property. The main adverse effects of the drug are headache, vertigo, flushing, nausea, diarrhea, pedal edema, rash, and palpitations.
How long does it take for nimodipine to release into the subarachnoid space?
It can be given intraventricularly as a single dose and releases nimodipine into the intraventricular and subarachnoid space over 21 days. (NEWTON trial, 2018)[21] Mechanism of Action. During the depolarization of smooth muscle cells of blood vessels, there is an influx of calcium ions.
Why is nimodipine given after subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Nimodipine should be given to patients with no neurological deficits after subarachnoid hemorrhage to reduce the onset of new neurological deficits due to vasospasm. (Cerebral arterial spasm controlled trial of nimodipine in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 1983)[1]
What is nimodipine used for?
Nimodipine (C21H26N2O7) is a second-generation 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It was initially invented for the management of systemic hypertension. The FDA approved the use of nimodipine for the first time in 1988. However, its use is restricted mainly to the management of vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage.
How much nimodipine is in a dilute solution?
During surgery, a freshly prepared dilute solution of nimodipine (20 ml of a dilute solution of nimodipine: 1 ml of nimodipine concentrated intravenous infusion solution and 19 ml of Ringer solution) warmed up to blood temperature may be instilled intracisternally. This dilution must be used immediately after preparation.
How long can you take nimodipine?
If giving the drug following administration of oral form, the total duration of treatment should not exceed a maximum of 21 days. Intravenous nimodipine should not be given for a period longer than 14 days. Patients should not take the intravenous and oral forms of nimodipine concomitantly.
What enzymes inhibit nimodipine?
The cytochrome P450 3A4 system metabolizes nimodipine. Drugs that inhibit this enzyme can lead to increased plasma concentrations of nimodipine. Such drugs include macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin, protease inhibitors like ritonavir, azole antimycotics like ketoconazole, antidepressants like fluoxetine, quinupristin/dalfopristin, cimetidine, and valproic acid. Grapefruit juice is also an inhibitor of the cytochrome system, and a patient who is getting treated with nimodipine should avoid it.
How long does nimodipine excrete?
Nimodipine should be given intravenously via a central venous catheter at a starting dose of 1 mg/hr (15 mcg/kg per hour equivalent to 5 ml per hour) for the first 2 hours.
Program Details
PatientAssistance.com is glad to present this offer finding to you. You will find the program details located through the offer link below.
How To Use
Simply print this page and bring to your local pharmacy. If you have any issues please have the pharmacist call 1-800-577-6484.
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This medication is used to improve symptoms caused by spasms as a result of a brain hemorrhage (ruptured blood vessels).
How To Use
Take this medication exactly as prescribed. If the capsules can not be swallowed, the liquid inside the capsule may be taken out and given through a feeding tube. For best results, this medication must be started within 4 days of the brain hemorrhage and given every 4 hours for 3 weeks.
Side Effects
Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, slowed pulse or flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have: heart problems, lung disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially of: blood pressure drugs, intravenous (IV) calcium, heart drugs. Avoid any drugs that increase your heart-rate (the decongestants phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine are examples).
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, weakness, slowed or irregular heartbeat, nausea, drowsiness, confusion, and slurred speech.
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This drug is a calcium channel blocker. Calcium is involved in blood vessel contraction. By blocking calcium, nifedipine relaxes and widens the blood vessels. It is used to treat chest pain (angina). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible problems related to use of short-acting calcium channel blockers.
How To Use
Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. This medication must be taken as directed to prevent chest pain. It is not effective if taken only when chest pain occurs. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without talking with your doctor.
Side Effects
This drug may cause dizziness and lightheadedness especially during the first few days. Avoid activities requiring alertness. When you sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly to minimize dizziness and allow your body to adjust.
Precautions
Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take this drug. Tell your doctor of any diseases you have especially of: liver disease, congestive heart failure, any allergies. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. Limit using alcohol while taking this medication.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially of: beta-blockers, digoxin, quinidine, cimetidine, warfarin, intravenous (IV) calcium, barbiturates, phenytoin, magnesium sulfate injection, fentanyl, high blood pressure drugs, St John's wort.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.
