Caldip 10mg Infusion (Nimodipine): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Very slow or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- New weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
- Severe headache with vomiting or visual changes
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
- Confusion or reduced level of consciousness
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is caldip 10mg infusion used for?
This medicine is an intravenous calcium channel blocker used mainly to prevent and treat cerebral vasospasm after a subarachnoid haemorrhage. It relaxes brain arteries, improves blood flow, and is given only in hospital under close monitoring because it can lower blood pressure.
- Generic Name: Nimodipine
- Manufacturer: Alfa Igra Inc
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 caldip 10mg infusion के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा निमोडिपिन 10 मिलीग्राम का इंट्रावेनस इन्फ्यूजन है, जिसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से सबअराक्नॉइड हैमरेज के बाद दिमाग की रक्त वाहिकाओं में होने वाली सिकुड़न (सेरेब्रल वैसोस्पाज्म) को रोकने और उसका इलाज करने के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा दिमाग की धमनियों को आराम देकर रक्त का प्रवाह बेहतर बनाती है और दिमाग को होने वाले नुकसान का खतरा कम करती है। यह दवा सिर्फ अस्पताल में, डॉक्टर या नर्स की निगरानी में, इन्फ्यूजन पंप की मदद से दी जाती है। इसे घर पर खुद से नहीं लगाया जा सकता। इलाज के दौरान ब्लड प्रेशर और हृदय गति की लगातार निगरानी की जाती है, क्योंकि इससे ब्लड प्रेशर अचानक गिर सकता है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में ब्लड प्रेशर कम होना, सिरदर्द, जी मिचलाना, चेहरे पर गर्मी लगना और चक्कर आना शामिल हैं। कुछ मरीजों में दिल की धड़कन तेज या धीमी हो सकती है, या पैरों में सूजन आ सकती है। कभी-कभी खून में प्लेटलेट्स कम हो सकते हैं या लिवर की जांच रिपोर्ट असामान्य हो सकती है। गंभीर लेकिन दुर्लभ मामलों में बहुत कम ब्लड प्रेशर, दिल की धड़कन में रुकावट या एलर्जी हो सकती है। इन्फ्यूजन के दौरान कोई भी नया लक्षण हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर या नर्स को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल अस्पताल में विशेषज्ञ निगरानी में दी जाती है और इसे घर पर खुद से नहीं लगाया जा सकता। इन्फ्यूजन पंप से धीरे-धीरे दिया जाता है और घोल को रोशनी से बचाकर रखा जाता है। इलाज के दौरान ब्लड प्रेशर और हृदय गति की बार-बार जांच की जाती है। अपनी सभी दवाओं की जानकारी डॉक्टर को दें, खासकर ब्लड प्रेशर की दवाएं, क्योंकि इनके साथ ब्लड प्रेशर बहुत कम हो सकता है। अगर चक्कर आना, बेहोशी, सीने में दर्द, सांस लेने में तकलीफ या नाड़ी बहुत धीमी हो जाए तो तुरंत मेडिकल स्टाफ को बताएं। गर्भावस्था और स्तनपान के बारे में डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 caldip 10mg infusion Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Prevention of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage","description":"This medicine is used to reduce the risk of delayed ischaemic neurological deficit caused by narrowing of cerebral arteries after a subarachnoid bleed.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Improvement of neurological outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage","description":"Intravenous nimodipine is used in specialist centres to improve survival and neurological recovery in selected patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.","evidence":"Established in specialist practice"},{"condition":"Management of established cerebral vasospasm","description":"In some centres this medicine is used as part of a strategy to treat confirmed vasospasm, often alongside other measures such as blood pressure management and endovascular therapy.","evidence":"Limited to specialist settings"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Prevention of vasospasm after traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage","description":"Occasionally used in neurocritical care for patients with traumatic subarachnoid bleeding, but evidence is not strong enough to recommend routine use.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Adjunctive treatment in acute ischaemic stroke","description":"Has been studied in some settings but is not a standard treatment for acute ischaemic stroke.","evidence":"Insufficient"},{"condition":"Refractory migraine or cluster headache in hospital settings","description":"Rarely used in specialist headache centres when other treatments have failed, but this is not an approved indication.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Also treats: Delayed cerebral ischaemia, Neurological deficit after subarachnoid haemorrhage, Established cerebral vasospasm in specialist settings
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Nimodipine |
| Brand Name | Caldip |
| Manufacturer | Alfa Igra Inc |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | CARDIAC |
| Action Class | Calcium channel blockers- Dihydropyridines (DHP) |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous infusion only, administered by a healthcare professional using a controlled infusion pump |
| Storage | Store the infusion solution in its original packaging, protected from light, at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Do not freeze. Once prepared for infusion, the solution should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and hospital policy, and any unused portion should be discarded appropriately. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of the unopened product is typically 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date should be checked on the pack. Once the infusion is prepared, it should be used within the time specified by the manufacturer and hospital guidelines. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Treatment should follow local hospital protocols and specialist neurocritical care guidance. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Clinicians should refer to current Indian neurocritical care and neurosurgery guidelines for the management of subarachnoid haemorrhage. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by blocking L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in the smooth muscle cells of cerebral arteries. By preventing calcium from entering these cells, it reduces the contraction of the arterial wall and promotes relaxation. Because it is highly lipophilic, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and concentrates in brain tissue, giving it a relatively selective effect on cerebral vessels compared with vessels elsewhere in the body. This helps to counteract the arterial narrowing that occurs after subarachnoid haemorrhage and improves blood flow to at-risk brain regions.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take caldip 10mg infusion
Strength: Nimodipine 10 mg in an intravenous infusion solution, supplied in a ready-to-use or concentrate form as specified by the manufacturer.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine is individualised by the treating clinician. In adults, a common regimen after subarachnoid haemorrhage is a continuous intravenous infusion given over several days, with the rate adjusted to maintain stable blood pressure and neurological status. The exact dose, duration, and rate must be determined by a qualified clinician based on the indication, the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, liver and kidney function, and response to treatment. This medicine should never be self-administered. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician or pediatric neurologist for any use in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of this medicine. The dose should be individualised by the clinician, with close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and neurological status. Lower infusion rates may be needed. |
| Renal Impairment | Nimodipine is not primarily cleared by the kidneys, so renal impairment is not expected to require a major dose change. However, patients with kidney disease should be monitored for low blood pressure and reduced urine output, and the infusion rate should be adjusted by the clinician as needed. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Because this medicine is extensively metabolised in the liver, patients with hepatic impairment may have higher blood levels and an increased risk of side effects. The dose should be reduced and liver function monitored, as decided by the treating clinician. This medicine is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not a fixed figure and must be determined by the treating clinician based on the patient's condition, blood pressure, and response. This medicine is given as a continuous infusion, and the rate is adjusted to balance effectiveness against the risk of hypotension. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of caldip 10mg infusion
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Ketoconazole | Major | |
| Rifampicin | Major | |
| Magnesium sulfate | Major | |
| Other antihypertensives | Major | |
| Grapefruit juice | Moderate | |
| Valproic acid | Moderate | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Beta-blockers | Minor | |
| Digoxin | Minor | |
| St John's wort | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir)
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St John's wort)
- Other antihypertensive medicines and drugs that lower blood pressure
- Intravenous magnesium sulfate
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Grapefruit juice
- Valproic acid
- Cimetidine
- Other calcium channel blockers
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine because it can add to the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, and falls. In a hospital setting, alcohol is not permitted, and patients should inform staff about any alcohol use.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to nimodipine or any other dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker","Severe hypotension or shock","Severe aortic stenosis or other conditions where a fall in blood pressure is dangerous","Unstable cardiac disease, including recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina","Sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, or second- or third-degree heart block without a pacemaker","Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir","Severe hepatic impairment","Pregnancy, unless the treating specialist decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must be given only by a healthcare professional in a setting where blood pressure and heart rate can be monitored continuously.","The infusion must be protected from light and administered through a dedicated line using a volumetric pump.","Blood pressure should be checked frequently, especially during the first hours of treatment and after any change in infusion rate.","Patients with liver disease may need a lower dose because nimodipine is cleared by the liver.","Patients with kidney disease should be monitored for low blood pressure and reduced urine output.","Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects.","Avoid grapefruit juice and St John's wort during treatment.","Tell the medical team about all other medicines, especially those that affect blood pressure or are metabolised by CYP3A4.","Do not use this medicine if the solution is cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles.","Do not stop or change the infusion rate without instruction from the treating clinician."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether nimodipine passes into breast milk in amounts that could affect a breastfed baby. Because this medicine is given intravenously in hospital, breastfeeding decisions should be made with the treating team, and alternative feeding may be advised until treatment is completed.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine can cause severe hypotension, bradycardia, and shock. Treatment is supportive and should be carried out in a hospital setting. The infusion should be stopped immediately, and blood pressure and heart rate should be supported with intravenous fluids and, if necessary, vasopressor medicines. There is no specific antidote. Patients should be monitored closely until stable.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is given as a continuous intravenous infusion in hospital, so a missed dose is managed by the nursing and medical team. If the infusion is interrupted, the team will decide whether to restart it and at what rate, based on the patient's condition and the time since the interruption. Patients and families should not attempt to adjust the infusion themselves.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine is given only in a hospital or specialist centre under continuous medical supervision. It must never be self-administered at home. The infusion is delivered through a dedicated line using a volumetric pump, and the giving set and solution must be protected from light. Blood pressure and heart rate are monitored closely, especially during the first hours of treatment. Patients should tell the medical team about all other medicines, especially blood pressure medicines, because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Anyone who develops severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a very slow pulse should alert staff at once. This medicine is not for use in pregnancy unless the treating team decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, and breastfeeding should be discussed with the doctor.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects of this medicine. They should be monitored closely for hypotension, dizziness, and falls. The dose and infusion rate should be individualised by the clinician, and other medicines that lower blood pressure should be reviewed.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant, tell your doctor before this medicine is used. The use of this medicine in pregnancy should be decided only by a specialist team after weighing the benefits and risks. Effective contraception should be discussed if appropriate during treatment.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After neurosurgery, this medicine may be used to prevent vasospasm. The infusion is managed by the surgical and critical care team, with close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and neurological status. Follow all post-operative instructions and report new symptoms immediately.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Tell your dentist about this medicine and your recent hospital treatment before any dental procedure. Blood pressure and heart rate should be stable, and your doctor should be consulted if you have had recent neurological problems. Routine dental care may need to be postponed until you are medically stable.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
During the infusion and in the early recovery period after a subarachnoid haemorrhage, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided. Follow the advice of your neurosurgeon and rehabilitation team about when it is safe to gradually increase activity. Stop any activity that causes dizziness, chest pain, or severe headache and seek medical advice.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is given in hospital, so it will affect your work and daily life during treatment. You will need time off work for the infusion and recovery. Driving and operating machinery should be avoided during treatment and until your doctor says it is safe. Plan for support at home during recovery and follow your rehabilitation plan.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
This medicine is stopped only by the treating medical team, based on your clinical condition, the risk of vasospasm, and your response to treatment. Do not stop or adjust the infusion yourself. After discharge, if you are on other medicines, do not stop them without speaking to your doctor.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term effects of this medicine are mainly related to the underlying condition it is used for, such as subarachnoid haemorrhage. Most patients do not need this infusion for a long period. After discharge, ongoing monitoring may include neurological checks, blood pressure control, and rehabilitation. Liver and kidney function may be reviewed if there were any concerns during treatment. Always discuss any new symptoms with your doctor.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Procedures such as angioplasty or intra-arterial vasodilator therapy may be used in specialist centres for severe vasospasm.
Evidence: Established in specialist practiceCareful control of blood pressure is part of standard neurocritical care after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Evidence: Well-establishedIn some settings, oral nimodipine may be used instead of or after intravenous treatment, depending on the clinical situation.
Evidence: Established in selected patients💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions established for this medicine. However, after a serious neurological event, vaccination timing should be discussed with your treating doctor. In general, avoid live vaccines during acute hospital treatment unless approved by the specialist.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store the product in its original packaging, protected from light, at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the product or expose it to direct sunlight.
✅ DO
Use the prepared infusion within the time specified by the manufacturer and hospital policy.
❌ DON'T
Do not use the solution if it is cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles.
✅ DO
Keep the product out of reach of children.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer the solution to unmarked containers.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is given only in hospital, so travel advice is mainly relevant after discharge. If you are discharged on other medicines, carry a copy of your prescription and discharge summary. Keep all medicines in their original packaging with the pharmacy label visible. If you are travelling by air, carry medicines in your hand luggage and declare them at security if asked. Store them at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. If you need medical care while travelling, show the emergency card and discharge summary to the treating team. Do not change or stop any medicine without speaking to your doctor.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts working within minutes of the infusion beginning, because it is given directly into the bloodstream. Its main benefit is to prevent or reduce narrowing of brain arteries over the following days.
A: In most cases you can eat and drink as advised by your medical team, but you should avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol. Follow the instructions given by your nurse or doctor.
A: Yes, blood tests may be done to check liver and kidney function, blood counts, and other parameters. The frequency depends on your condition and the treating team's plan.
A: Tell them that this is a hospital-only infusion used after a brain bleed to protect the brain. They should inform any new doctor or nurse about this medicine and any allergies.
A: You should not drive during the infusion or immediately after, especially if you have had dizziness or low blood pressure. Ask your doctor when it is safe to drive again.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for caldip 10mg infusion
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
nimocard infusionNew Medicon Pharma Labs Pvt Ltd ₹464.06 368.7% COSTLIER
-
nimodec 10mg infusionUnited Biotech Pvt Ltd ₹551.20 456.8% COSTLIER
-
nimomeg 10mg infusionRidhima Biocare ₹665.63 572.4% COSTLIER
-
nimodip 10mg infusionUSV Ltd ₹874.08 782.9% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is a general blood pressure medicine.
Fact: This medicine is a specialist intravenous calcium channel blocker used mainly for cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid haemorrhage, not for routine hypertension. - Myth: This medicine can be taken as a tablet at home.
Fact: This product is an intravenous infusion and must be given only by a healthcare professional in a monitored setting. - Myth: This medicine works immediately and cures the brain bleed.
Fact: This medicine helps prevent and treat narrowing of brain arteries, but it does not repair the initial bleed and must be part of comprehensive hospital care. - Myth: If side effects occur, the patient can stop the infusion.
Fact: Only the treating medical team should adjust or stop the infusion, because sudden changes can be dangerous.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Nimodipine intravenous infusion
Brand Alternatives
- Caldip 10mg infusion