Albuterol is a medication administered as both a pill and an inhalant. It is sold as a pill under such brand names as Ventolin, Proventil and Volmax, and as an inhaler under brand names ProAir HFA, Accuneb and ReliOn Ventolin HFA. These may be administered through a rescue inhaler or via a machine called a nebulizer. Albuterol is used in the treatment of breathing conditions such as asthma.
Heart Problems
Taking albuterol as an inhaled medication or as a pill may cause some serious side effects that affect your heart. Consult a physician immediately if you get any of these more common side effects. Albuterol may cause you to experience heart palpitations. It also can cause tachycardia, the medical term for a rapid heart rate. Albuterol also can cause arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Trembling
Both forms of albuterol may produce similar side effects in your body. Side effects such as shaking and trembling in the feet, arms, legs and hands all are relatively common, the Mayo Clinic states, and are categorized as serious. Tell your physician immediately if these occur when you take the medication by pill or inhalation.
Pain
Common non-serious side effects from the inhaled version of albuterol that should be temporary may include pain. Aches may occur throughout your body, including your bones and muscles. Less commonly, pain can surface when you urinate. You might also experience pain in your ears or a throbbing, severe headache. Serious less common side effects of albuterol also may include pain in the chest or bladder, pain in your abdomen and pain in either side or the lower back. Contact your physician about any of these problems. Pain from the oral form of albuterol has been reported, but only rarely.
Other Side Effects
Other less common and non-serious side effects may occur with oral albuterol use. These may include insomnia, dizziness, bladder control difficulties, irritability, skin redness of the body, arms, neck and face, and nausea. Other less common non-serious side effects of inhaled albuterol may include a sensation of warm skin, nasal congestion and sneezing. Inhaled albuterol can cause other serious but less common side effects such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, a fever, dizziness, breathing difficulties, throat soreness, bodily weakness or a rash, among others.
Member Comments