Nicardipine Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 22, 2023.
Applies to nicardipine: intravenous solution. Other dosage forms:
Serious side effects of Nicardipine
Along with its needed effects, nicardipine 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
- Blurred vision
- confusion
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
- sweating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
- 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
- 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 Nicardipine
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
- 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
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]
More about nicardipine
- Check interactions
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- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: calcium channel blocking agents
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Patient resources
- Nicardipine oral/injection drug information
- Nicardipine (Intravenous) (Advanced Reading)
- Nicardipine (Oral) (Advanced Reading)
- Nicardipine Capsules
- Nicardipine Injection
Other brands
Cardene, Cardene IV, Cardene SR
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Cardene (nicardipine). Syntex Laboratories Inc. 2002;PROD.
Further information
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.