Side Effects of Nicardipine

There are a number of potential side effects that may occur during treatment with nicardipine. Among the most common nicardipine side effects are flushing, headaches, and water retention. In most cases, side effects of nicardipine are minor and can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you develop more serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, severe swelling, and depression.

 

Side Effects of Nicardipine: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with nicardipine hydrochloride (Cardene®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with nicardipine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of nicardipine side effects with you.)
 

Side Effects of Nicardipine to Report

There are a number of more serious side effects with nicardipine that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.
 These include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Chest pain
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Signs of very low blood pressure, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when accompanied by fainting
  • Severe swelling, water retention, or difficulty breathing
  • Depression (see Cardene and Depression)
  • Confusion
  • Anxiety
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
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(Side Effects of Nicardipine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;