Nifedipine Side Effects
Some side effects of nifedipine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA
For the Consumer
Applies to nifedipine: oral capsule, oral capsule liquid filled, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release
Along with its needed effects, nifedipine 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 nifedipine:
More common * Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet * cough * difficult or labored breathing * dizziness or lightheadedness * fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse * feeling of warmth * headache * muscle cramps * rapid weight gain * shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet * shortness of breath * tightness in the chest * tingling of the hands or feet * trembling or shaking of the hands or feet * unusual weight gain or loss * weakness * wheezing
Less common * Blue lips and fingernails * chest congestion * chest Pain * chills * coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum * decreased urine output * difficult, fast, or noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing * dilated neck veins * extreme fatigue * fever * increased sweating * irregular breathing * nausea * pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck * pale skin * severe unusual tiredness or weakness * sweating * troubled breathing * vomiting
Rare
* Black, tarry stools * bleeding gums * blood in the eyes * blood in the urine or stools * bloody stools * bluish color * blurred vision * body aches or pain * changes in skin color * cold sweats * dark urine * difficulty with swallowing * dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position * dry mouth * dryness or soreness of throat * ear congestion or pain * extra heartbeats * eye pain * feeling unusually cold * general tiredness and weakness * headache, severe and throbbing * hoarseness * increased urge to urinate during the night * irritation in the mouth * itching * large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs * light-colored stools * nasal congestion * neck pain * nervousness * no blood pressure or pulse * noisy breathing * pain * pain in the groin or genitals * pain or burning while urinating * painful or difficult urination * pinpoint red spots on the skin * puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue * redness and swelling of the gums * redness in the whites of the eyes * runny nose * shakiness and unsteady walk * sharp back pain just below ribs * shivering * skin rash * small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lung when listening with a stethoscope * sneezing * sore throat * sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth * stopping of heart * swelling around the eyes * swollen glands * tenderness * tender, swollen glands in the neck * troubled breathing with exertion * unconsciousness * unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination * unusual bleeding or bruising * upper right abdominal or stomach pain * vision changes * voice changes * vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds * waking to urinate at night * yellow eyes and skin
Some side effects of nifedipine 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:
More common * Belching * feeling of indigestion * mood changes * pain in the chest below the breastbone * redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
Less common * Abnormal ejaculation * bloody nose * burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings * decreased interest in sexual intercourse * decreased sexual performance or desire * diarrhea * difficulty having a bowel movement (stool) * excess air or gas in stomach or intestines * feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings * full feeling * general feeling of discomfort or illness * inability to have or keep an erection * increased need to urinate * joint stiffness * leg cramps or pain * loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance * nervousness * passing gas * passing urine more often * sneezing * stuffy nose * trouble sleeping
Rare
* Acid or sour stomach * ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain * cracks in the skin * difficulty with moving * discouragement * excessive muscle tone * fear or nervousness * feeling sad or empty * hair loss or thinning of the hair * heartburn * increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight * irritability * itching, pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, or warmth on the skin * lack of appetite * lack or loss of strength * loss of heat from the body * loss of interest or pleasure * loss of strength or energy * loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance * lower back or side pain * muscle pain or weakness * muscle stiffness * muscle tension or tightness * pain or burning in the throat * red, swollen skin * redness or other discoloration of the skin * scaly skin * severe sunburn * sleepiness or unusual drowsiness * sleeplessness * stomach discomfort, upset, or pain * swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males * tiredness * trouble concentrating * unable to sleep