Fenoldopam Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 14, 2025.

Applies to fenoldopam: intravenous solution.

Precautions

Your doctor will check your or your child's progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to check if the medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Hypokalemia may occur after less than 6 hours of receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child has dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, or uneven heartbeat.

Call your doctor right away if you or your child has blurred vision, changes in vision, chest pain, decreased urine output, rapid weight gain, or swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet. These may be symptoms of a new hypertensive emergency.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of fenoldopam

Some side effects of fenoldopam 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:

Serious side effects of fenoldopam

Along with its needed effects, fenoldopam 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fenoldopam:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to fenoldopam: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were headache, cutaneous dilation (flushing), nausea, and hypotension.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (24%)
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, abdominal distention^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): ECG T wave inversion
• Frequency not reported: Extrasystoles, palpitations, cardiac failure, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, tachycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiogenic shock, hypotension, ECG ST segment depression^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Chest pain, pyrexia, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hypokalemia, blood glucose increased
• Postmarketing reports: Oxygen saturation decreased^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Nervousness/anxiety, insomnia^[Ref]

Renal

• Frequency not reported: Blood urea increased, blood creatinine increased^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperhidrosis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Oliguria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Transaminases increased^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Muscle spasms^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Intraocular pressure increased^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Fenoldopam 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