Albuterol Inhaler Overdose: An Overview
Albuterol inhalers are prescription medications used to treat
asthma.
Albuterol inhaler overdose effects will vary depending on a number of factors, including how much albuterol was taken and whether it was taken with any other medicines, alcohol, street drugs, or a combination of these.
If you happen to overdose on an albuterol inhaler, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an Albuterol Inhaler Overdose
- Chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fatigue
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
Treatment for an Albuterol Inhaler Overdose
Treatment for an albuterol inhaler overdose involves supportive care. This type of care consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include:
- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
- Medications to reverse the effect of the albuterol inhaler (such as beta blockers)
- Other treatments based on complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on an albuterol inhaler.
