Cardene IV Side Effects

Generic name: nicardipine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Cardene IV Side Effects associated with nicardipine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Cardene IV.

Applies to nicardipine: intravenous solution.

Other dosage forms:

• oral capsule

Serious side effects of Cardene IV

Along with its needed effects, nicardipine (the active ingredient contained in Cardene IV) 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 nicardipine:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at site
• blood in urine
• chills
• cold sweats
• convulsions
• decreased urine
• dry mouth
• extra heartbeat
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• frequent urination
• increased thirst
• increased volume of pale, dilute urine
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
• shortness of breath

Rare side effects

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in urine or stools
• bone pain
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• changes in skin color
• chest pain
• chest tightness or heaviness
• convulsions
• discharge, excessive tearing
• feeling of warmth or heat
• flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck
• headache, sudden and severe
• increased need to urinate
• nervousness
• pain, tenderness, or swelling of foot or leg
• passing urine more often
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• pounding in the ears slow or fast heartbeat
• redness, pain, or swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
• swelling around the eyes or the whole face
• troubled breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• weakness

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

Symptoms of overdose

• sleepiness
• slurred speech

Other side effects of Cardene IV

Some side effects of nicardipine 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:

Rare side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
• excessive muscle tone
• fever
• hearing loss
• heartburn
• indigestion
• lack or loss of strength
• muscle stiffness
• muscle tension or tightness
• neck pain
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• wheezing

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nicardipine: compounding powder, intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral capsule extended release.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were consequences of vasodilation.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, tachycardia, flushing, angina increased, palpitations, vasodilatation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sustained tachycardia, abnormal ECG, postural hypotension, myocardial infarct
• Frequency not reported: Angina pectoris, atrioventricular block, ST segment depression, inverted T wave, deep vein thrombophlebitis, sinus node dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, exertional hypotension, pericarditis, heart block, ventricular tachycardia, peripheral vascular disorder, ventricular extrasystoles^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 21%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, somnolence, paresthesia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, tremor
• Frequency not reported: Confusion, hypertonia, tinnitus, cerebral ischemia, vertigo, hyperkinesia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea/vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, dry mouth
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Constipation, vomiting, diarrhea
• Frequency not reported: Sore throat^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, other edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Malaise, pain, chest pain, face edema
• Frequency not reported: Fever, ear disorder, atypical chest pain, hot flashes^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sweating increased^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pedal edema
• Frequency not reported: Hypophosphatemia, peripheral edema^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Neck pain, arthralgia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nervousness, insomnia, abnormal dreams
• Frequency not reported: Depression, anxiety^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nocturia, urinary frequency increased
• Frequency not reported: Urinary frequency, impotence^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Respiratory disorder, decreased oxygen saturation, rhinitis, sinusitis^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vision blurred
• Frequency not reported: Conjunctivitis, vision abnormal^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Infection, allergic reaction^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Abnormal liver chemistries^[Ref]

Further information

Cardene IV 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer