Albuterol Side Effects

Some common side effects of albuterol include coughing, headaches, and an irritated or runny nose. In most cases, side effects are minor and can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, there are also some albuterol side effects that can be serious, such as an irregular heart rhythm, breathing problems that are getting worse, and signs of an allergic reaction. You should immediately report these side effects to your healthcare provider.

 

Albuterol Side Effects: An Introduction

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

Common Side Effects of Albuterol

Albuterol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. As a result, 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, some of the common albuterol side effects included:
 
  • Coughing
  • Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (heart palpitations)
  • Headaches
  • An irritated or runny nose
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Nausea
  • Nervousness
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Insomnia
  • Throat irritation
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (such as the common cold)
  • Vomiting.
     
These side effects may not apply to every albuterol product, as different products may have different side effects.
 
(Albuterol 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;