Albuterol (Albuterol Sulfate) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In clinical trials, the most frequent adverse reactions to albuterol tablets were:

Percent Incidence of Adverse Reactions

Reaction	Percent Incidence
Central nervous system
Nervousness	20%
Tremor	20%
Headache	7%
Sleeplessness	2%
Weakness	2%
Dizziness	2%
Drowsiness	<1%
Restlessness	<1%
Irritability	<1%
Cardiovascular
Tachycardia	5%
Palpitations	5%
Chest discomfort	<1%
Flushing	<1%
Musculoskeletal
Muscle cramps	3%
Gastrointestinal
Nausea	2%
Genitourinary
Difficulty in micturition	<1%

Rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, and oropharyngeal edema have been reported after the use of albuterol.

In addition, albuterol, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse reactions such as hypertension, angina, vomiting, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, unusual taste, and drying or irritation of the oropharynx.

The reactions are generally transient in nature, and it is usually not necessary to discontinue treatment with albuterol tablets. In selected cases, however, dosage may be reduced temporarily; after the reaction has subsided, dosage should be increased in small increments to the optimal dosage.

REPORTS OF SUSPECTED ALBUTEROL SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS

Possible Albuterol side effects / adverse reactions in 61 year old female

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from Canada on 2011-09-09

Patient: 61 year old female weighing 66.0 kg (145.2 pounds)

Reactions: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Adverse event resulted in: death, hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Quetiapine Fumarate
    Dosage: 400 mg/day, at bedtime

Haloperidol
    Dosage: 20 mg, at bedtime

Furosemide
    Dosage: 40 mg, daily

Sumatriptan Succinate
    Dosage: 50 mg, as needed

Alendronate Sodium
    Dosage: 70 mg, weekly

Omeprazole
    Dosage: 20 mg, 2x/day

Cyclobenzaprine HCL
    Dosage: 10 mg, as needed

Trimethoprim + Sulfamethoxazole
    Dosage: 160/800 ug daily for the past 3 months

Hydroxyzine HCL
    Dosage: 25 mg, 2x/day

Fluconazole
    Dosage: 150 mg x 1 (5-6 times in past 6 months)

Budesonide
    Dosage: 200 ug, 2 inhalations daily

Estrogens Conjugated
    Dosage: 1.3 mg, daily

Loperamide
    Dosage: 2 mg, (100 tablets/month) as needed

Albuterol
    Dosage: 100 ug, as needed

Risperidone
    Dosage: 2 mg in the morning, 3 mg at bedtime

Mometasone Furoate
    Dosage: 0.05 %, 2 sprays twice daily

Trazodone HCL
    Dosage: 200 mg, at bedtime

Venlafaxine HCL
    Dosage: 75 mg, 2x/day

Levothyroxine Sodium
    Dosage: 50 ug, daily

Celecoxib
    Dosage: 200 mg, 2x/day

Desipramine HCL
    Dosage: 25 mg, 2x/day

Prednisone TAB
    Dosage: 7.5 mg, 1x/day

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
    Dosage: 200 mg, 2x/day

Trimethoprim + Sulfamethoxazole
    Dosage: 160/800 ug daily for the past 3 months

Other drugs received by patient: Atorvastatin Calcium; Lorazepam

Possible Albuterol side effects / adverse reactions in 82 year old female

Reported by a individual with unspecified qualification from United States on 2011-10-04

Patient: 82 year old female weighing 61.2 kg (134.7 pounds)

Reactions: Condition Aggravated, Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Adverse event resulted in: hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Pulmicort
    Dosage: bid;inh
    Indication: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Albuterol
    Dosage: qid;inh
    Indication: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Maxair
    Dosage: 400 ug;qid;inh
    Indication: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
    Start date: 2010-11-01

Possible Albuterol side effects / adverse reactions in 28 year old female

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from United Kingdom on 2011-10-14

Patient: 28 year old female

Reactions: Asthma, Drug Ineffective

Suspect drug(s):
Albuterol
    Indication: Asthma

Fluticasone Propionate/salmeterol
    Indication: Asthma