Felodipine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 21, 2023.

Applies to felodipine: oral tablet extended release.

Serious side effects of felodipine

Along with its needed effects, felodipine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking felodipine:

More common

• bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• rapid weight gain
• tingling of hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• difficulty in breathing
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• nasal congestion
• runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• blurred vision
• chest pain, tightness, or heaviness
• confusion
• congestion
• cough producing mucus
• diarrhea
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• hoarseness
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches and pains
• nausea
• pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back, or neck
• pale skin
• shivering
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• swelling or puffiness of face
• tender or swollen glands in neck
• trouble in swallowing
• trouble sleeping
• troubled breathing with exertion
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• voice changes
• wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking felodipine:

Symptoms of overdose

• feeling of warmth
• redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

Other side effects of felodipine

Some side effects of felodipine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• constipation
• heartburn
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• skin rash
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

Rare

• bleeding gums
• irritation in mouth
• redness and swelling of gums

Incidence not known

• bloated or full feeling
• bloody nose
• burning while urinating
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• difficult or painful urination
• difficulty in moving
• discouragement
• disturbed color perception
• double vision
• dry mouth
• excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
• feeling sad or empty
• fear or nervousness
• frequent strong or increased urge to urinate
• halos around lights
• hives or welts
• inability to have or keep an erection
• increased need to urinate
• increased volume of pale or dilute urine
• irritability
• itching
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• loss of interest or pleasure
• muscle cramps or stiffness
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• passing gas
• passing urine more often
• redness of skin
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• sleeplessness
• sores, welting, or blisters
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
• swollen joints
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• tunnel vision
• unable to sleep

For healthcare professionals

Applies to felodipine: oral tablet extended release.

General

The most common adverse events were peripheral edema and headache.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Peripheral edema (up to 17.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, warm sensation
• Frequency not reported: Chest pain, facial edema, flu-like illness, influenza^[Ref]

Peripheral edema was generally mild, but it was age and dose related. It resulted in treatment discontinuation in about 3% of patients.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 14.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, paresthesia
• Frequency not reported: Syncope, somnolence^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, dyspepsia, constipation
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, flatulence, acid regurgitation, gingival hyperplasia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, rhinorrhea, sneezing
• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, epistaxis, respiratory infection^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitation, flushing
• Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarction, hypotension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, tachycardia, premature beats^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, contusion, erythema, urticaria, leukocytoclastic vasculitis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, back pain, leg pain, foot pain, muscle cramps, myalgia, arm pain, knee pain, hip pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Insomnia, depression, anxiety disorders, irritability, nervousness, libido decreased^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Impotence, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, dysuria, polyuria^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Anemia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: ALT increased^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances^[Ref]

Further information

Felodipine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer