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Overdose Info and Discussing the Albuterol Inhaler With Your Doctor
from eMedTV.comYou should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using an albuterol inhaler if you have:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Other types of heart disease, including congestive heart failure
- An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Albuterol Inhalers and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Albuterol Inhalers and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Albuterol Inhaler Warnings and Precautions for more information, including information on who should not use these inhalers.)
People who use an albuterol inhaler too much may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- 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.
If you happen to overdose on the medication, seek immediate medical attention.
(Click Albuterol Inhaler Overdose for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD