Nimodipine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 22, 2024.

Applies to nimodipine: oral capsule liquid filled, oral solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (capsule, liquid filled)

Do not administer nimodipine intravenously or by other parenteral routes.

Deaths and serious, life threatening adverse events have occurred when the contents of nimodipine capsules have been injected parenterally.

Serious side effects of nimodipine

Along with its needed effects, nimodipine 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 nimodipine:

Less common

• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• difficult or labored breathing
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• shortness of breath
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• swelling
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of nimodipine

Some side effects of nimodipine 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

• abdominal or stomach cramps, discomfort, or pain
• back pain
• blemishes on the skin
• constipation
• diarrhea
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• headache
• indigestion
• irritability
• lack or loss of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• muscle pain
• nausea or vomiting
• pimples
• rash
• swollen mouth and tongue
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unpleasant taste
• urge to have bowel movement

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nimodipine: oral capsule, oral liquid.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, and rash.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased blood pressure (up to 50%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, edema, EKG abnormalities, flushing, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypotension, vasodilation
• Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, hematoma, hypertension, palpitations, rebound vasospasm^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Ileus
• Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, vomiting^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Acne, rash
• Frequency not reported: Diaphoresis, itching^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Cramp, muscle pain^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal liver function test
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, elevated ALT levels
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Transient increase in liver enzymes
• Frequency not reported: Hepatitis, jaundice^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Alterations in consciousness, dizziness, lightheadedness, neurological deterioration^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Wheezing^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased platelet counts, thrombocytopenia
• Frequency not reported: Anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reaction^[Ref]

Local

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Injection site reaction, infusion site phlebitis, infusion site reaction, infusion site thrombophlebitis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Phenytoin toxicity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels, fluid retention, non-fasting elevated serum glucose levels
• Frequency not reported: Hyponatremia^[Ref]

Further information

Nimodipine 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