Albuterol Tablet Side Effects

Vomiting, insomnia, and shakiness are among the side effects that have been reported with long-acting albuterol extended-release tablets. A few of the side effects that have been seen in people taking short-acting albuterol tablets include headaches, nervousness, and a fast heart rate. There are also a number of serious albuterol tablet side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider immediately, including an irregular heart rhythm, worsening breathing problems, or anxiety.

 

Albuterol Tablet Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with albuterol tablets. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it 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 albuterol tablets. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of albuterol tablet side effects with you.)
 

Common Albuterol Tablet Side Effects

Albuterol tablets have been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects seen in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of long-acting albuterol extended-release tablets (Vospire ER®) included:
 
  • Shakiness (tremors) -- in up to 24.2 percent of people
  • Nervousness -- up to 8.5 percent
  • Nausea or vomiting -- up to 4.2 percent
  • A fast heart rate (tachycardia) -- up to 2.7 percent
  • Muscle cramps -- up to 2.7 percent
  • Feelings of a forcefully or rapidly beating heart (heart palpitations) -- up to 2.4 percent
  • Insomnia -- up to 2.4 percent.
     
Some of the most common side effects of short-acting albuterol tablets included:
 
  • Nervousness -- in up to 20 percent of people
  • Shakiness (tremors) -- up to 20 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 7 percent
  • A fast heart rate (tachycardia) -- up to 5 percent
  • Feelings of a forcefully or rapidly beating heart (heart palpitations) -- up to 5 percent
  • Muscle cramps -- up to 3 percent
  • Insomnia -- up to 2 percent
  • Weakness -- up to 2 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 2 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 2 percent.
     
(Albuterol Tablet Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;