Albuterol Overdose: An Overview
Albuterol is a prescription medication used to treat
asthma. The effects of an albuterol overdose 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 albuterol, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an Albuterol Overdose
Albuterol overdose symptoms may include:
- Chest pain (angina)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- A fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Dry mouth
- Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Fatigue
- Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Loss of life.
Treatment for an Albuterol Overdose
Treatment for an albuterol 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 (such as beta blockers) to reverse the effects of albuterol
- Other treatments based on the complications that occur.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you believe that you may have overdosed on albuterol.
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