Compare Plendil vs. Nimodipine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Felodipine ER (Plendil) and nimodipine (Nymalize) are both calcium channel blockers, but they are used for different purposes. Felodipine ER is primarily used to treat high blood pressure in adults and is taken once daily. In contrast, nimodipine is used to prevent brain damage after a specific type of brain bleed called an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and is taken every 4 hours for 3 weeks. Felodipine ER is available only as a tablet, while nimodipine comes in both capsule and liquid forms. Common side effects of felodipine ER include swelling, headache, and flushing, whereas nimodipine commonly causes low blood pressure and can also cause diarrhea and rash. Additionally, felodipine ER with or without food, while nimodipine must be taken on an empty stomach. Both medications can interact with grapefruit, so you should avoid grapefruit products while taking them.
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Nimodipine (Nymalize)
- Felodipine er (Plendil)Nimodipine (Nymalize)
Summary of Plendil vs. Nimodipine
Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Prescription onlyFelodipine ER (Plendil) is a calcium channel blocker. It lowers blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels. This medication is one of the first-choice options for treating high blood pressure in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of this medication include swelling, headache, and flushing. Brand name Plendil has been discontinued.
Summary for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Prescription onlyNimodipine (Nymalize) is used to help prevent brain damage after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a type of brain bleed). Your provider will typically start this medication in the hospital as soon as possible, but usually within 4 days of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nimodipine (Nymalize) is taken by mouth or given through a feeding tube every 4 hours for 3 weeks. Generic nimodipine comes as an oral capsule, while brand name Nymalize (nimodipine) comes as an oral liquid. The most common side effect of nimodipine (Nymalize) is low blood pressure, so your provider will check your blood pressure regularly while you're taking this medication.
Indications of Plendil vs. Nimodipine
Indications for•High blood pressure (hypertension)Indications for•Prevention of brain damage after a type of brain bleed called an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)Pros and Cons of Plendil vs. Nimodipine
Pros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Pros•Taken by mouth•Taken once daily•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Only available as a tablet•Not a good choice if you've heart failure•Not recommended in pregnancyPros and Const for Calcium channel blocker (CCB)Pros•Prevents worsening of brain function after brain bleed•Available in liquid form if you can't swallow the capsule•Treatment typically lasts 3 weeks•Low risk of serious side effectsCons•Can interact with some common medications and supplements•Needs to be taken every 4 hours•Needs to be taken on an empty stomach•Can lower blood pressure and cause dizzinessCommon Side Effects of Plendil vs. Nimodipine
Common Side Effects for•Swelling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet (up to 17%)•Headache (up to 15%)•Flushing (up to 7%)Common Side Effects for•Low blood pressure (4%)•Diarrhea (2%)•Rash (2%)•Stomach irritation (2%)Warnings of Plendil vs. Nimodipine
Common Side Effects for•Severely low blood pressure•Caution with heart failure•SwellingCommon Side Effects for•Take by mouth only•Low blood pressure•Medication interactionsPrices with our coupons for Plendil vs. Nimodipine
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