Albuterol is a medication that provides quick relief for lung conditions such as asthma. MedlinePlus reports that it helps to relax and open up the airways, which enables breathing. It can be used in patients who experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Albuterol can be taken orally or as an inhaler, commonly given to children. The medication can also cause various side effects.
Chronic Headaches and Swelling
Long-term use of albuterol can result in chronic headaches, states MedlinePlus. Since albuterol is a bronchodilator, meaning that it relaxes blood vessels, it can increase blood flow to the brain, resulting in chronic headaches.
Swelling can also be seen in the arms and legs as the blood flow to those regions is increased. The mouth and facial region can also experience pain and swelling.
Blood vessel relaxation can also lead to increased blood flow to the nose, so nose bleeds can be common.
Difficulty Breathing and Allergic Reactions
According to MedlinePlus, patients can experience throat soreness and dryness that makes it difficult to swallow and eat. Called a bronchospasm, it can result in chest tightness and pain, wheezing and constriction of the respiratory airways. Patients who use the inhaler form can develop allergic reactions that can cause coughing and an itchy throat. The mouth and face can also experience pain and swelling.
Loss of Coordination and Hyperactivity
According to Drugs.com, albuterol can affect body movements, and result in shakiness of the limbs as well as uncoordinated use of the limbs. Some people using albuterol can experience problems with sleeping, difficult eating due to a loss of appetite, as well as increased heart rates and nervousness. Increased and irregular heart rates occur due to the increased blood flow to the heart.
Other Side Effects
DailyMed, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, states that albuterol may also cause a delay in preterm labor, extreme thirst, a confused state of mind, decreased muscle functioning, elevated blood pressure and an increased urge to urinate.
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