What Is Nimodipine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Nimodipine is a prescription medication used to reduce brain damage after a specific type of brain bleed known as an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with this condition, you may have been prescribed nimodipine as part of your treatment plan. This guide explains what nimodipine is, what it does, how to take it correctly, and what you need to know about finding it in 2026.

What Is Nimodipine?

Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker — a type of drug that relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells that control vascular tone. It belongs to the dihydropyridine subclass of calcium channel blockers and is notable for its preferential effect on cerebral (brain) blood vessels compared to blood vessels in the rest of the body.

The FDA first approved nimodipine in 1988. It is sold under the brand name Nymalize (oral solution) and is also available as generic nimodipine (oral capsules). It remains the only FDA-approved oral treatment for preventing vasospasm-related brain damage after a ruptured brain aneurysm.

What Is Nimodipine Used For?

Nimodipine is FDA-approved for one indication:

• Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH): Nimodipine is used to improve neurological outcomes by reducing the incidence and severity of ischemic deficits caused by vasospasm — the dangerous narrowing of brain blood vessels that can occur 3 to 14 days after a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

It has also been studied or used off-label for:

• Migraine prevention: Some evidence supports nimodipine's use for preventing migraine attacks, though it is not routinely used for this purpose.
• Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: Clinical trials have not found significant benefit, and this is not a standard use.
• Pediatric cerebral vasospasm: Used off-label in some pediatric centers.

Nimodipine Dosage and How to Take It

The standard adult dosage of nimodipine is:

• Dose: 60 mg (two 30 mg capsules, or 10 mL of the 6 mg/mL oral solution)
• Frequency: Every 4 hours — six times per day, around the clock
• Duration: 21 consecutive days (treatment should begin within 96 hours of the hemorrhage)
• With or without food: Must be taken on an empty stomach — at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
• Grapefruit: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment — it can raise nimodipine blood levels dangerously

Important: Never inject nimodipine or administer it intravenously. This has caused deaths. Nimodipine must only be taken by mouth or through a feeding tube.

Available Formulations

• Generic nimodipine 30 mg oral capsules (liquid-filled): Available from multiple generic manufacturers. Most widely stocked at retail pharmacies.
• Nymalize 6 mg/mL oral solution (prefilled oral syringe): Brand-name liquid from Arbor Pharmaceuticals. Currently in FDA shortage as of 2026. Used for patients who cannot swallow.

What Conditions Make Nimodipine Risky?

Tell your doctor before starting nimodipine if you have:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension) — nimodipine may worsen it
• Severe liver disease — nimodipine is metabolized by the liver; dose reduction may be needed
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding — animal studies show developmental risk; benefit-risk discussion needed with provider
• Other medications that lower blood pressure or interact with CYP3A4 (see our drug interactions guide)

How to Find Nimodipine in 2026

Because nimodipine — especially the oral solution — can be difficult to find at retail pharmacies, patients sometimes need help locating where it's in stock. medfinder is a service that contacts pharmacies near you to check for availability and texts you the results — so you can fill your prescription without the frustrating phone marathon.

Related: Nimodipine Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor.