Albuterol Side Effects
Okay, let’s dive in and talk about the not-so-fun part of any medication – the side effects. Albuterol, like any other drug, can have side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience them. They can range from mild to severe, and are typically more likely to occur at higher doses.
Common side effects of albuterol can include nervousness, shakiness (tremor), headache, fast or pounding heartbeat (tachycardia), and muscle cramps. These are typically mild and may go away after a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they’re more severe or don’t go away, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider.
Albuterol Side Effect, Severity, and What to Do
Albuterol Side Effect |
Severity |
What to Do |
|
Nervousness |
Common | Usually goes away with time, but if persistent or severe, consult your doctor. |
|
Shakiness (Tremor) |
Common | Typically subsides over time, but consult your doctor if it’s bothering you. |
| Headache | Common |
Normal in the beginning. If it persists, consult your doctor. |
|
Fast/Pounding Heartbeat (Tachycardia) |
Common | If it continues or worsens, seek medical attention. |
|
Muscle Cramps |
Common | Usually subsides over time, but consult your doctor if it’s severe or persistent. |
| Chest Pain | Less Common |
Seek immediate medical help. |
| Rapid Heart Rate, Palpitations, or Irregular Heart Rhythms | Less Common |
Seek immediate medical help. |
|
Increased Blood Pressure |
Less Common | Seek immediate medical help. |
|
Worsening Asthma Symptoms |
Less Common |
Seek immediate medical help. |
| Allergic Reactions (Rash, Hives, Swelling, Difficulty Breathing) |
Less Common |
Seek immediate medical help. |
| Paradoxical Bronchospasm |
Rare |
Stop using albuterol and contact your doctor immediately. |
More serious side effects are less common, but they can occur. These can include chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, or irregular heart rhythms, increased blood pressure, worsening asthma symptoms, and allergic reactions like rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing. Now, these are not to be taken lightly. If you notice any of these, get medical help right away.
Less Common Albuterol Side Effects
It’s also important to note that long-term use of albuterol can potentially lead to a condition known as paradoxical bronchospasm, where the airways in your lungs narrow or constrict, making breathing more difficult. This is a rare side effect, but if it does happen, you should stop using albuterol and contact your doctor immediately.
As always, this is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. You should always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.
Once you’re safe, please come visit Nightingale Health’s website to learn about our award-winning wearable Lung Tracking device, ADAMM, and our accessible Respiratory Therapy.
Sources to Albuterol Side Effect Research
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Albuterol (Inhalation Route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/albuterol-inhalation-route/side-effects/drg-20073536
- National Institutes of Health. (2021). Albuterol. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607004.html
- American Lung Association. (2021). Albuterol. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/treating-asthma/albuterol
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021457s037lbl.pdf
