When I was diagnosed with asthma, the first medication I was prescribed was an Albuterol (Salbutamol) inhaler. Albuterol is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for asthma symptoms. Albuterol inhalers are marketed under several brand names, including Proventil, Ventolin, and ProAir. Generic inhalers may be marketed under names like Albuterol Sulfate, Salbutamol, or Albuterol.
Albuterol is a very effective short-acting bronchodilator, which simply means that it quickly relaxes the muscles in your airways for a while. Albuterol inhalers are sometimes referred to as “rescue inhalers,” because they are fast-acting and used most often to relieve the shortness of breath and wheezing caused by asthma attacks and other breathing problems. My doctor also has me use my inhaler 15 minutes before vigorous exercise to help prevent exercise induced asthma attacks.
Unfortunately, like most medications, Albuterol can have side effects ranging in severity from mildly annoying to very dangerous or even fatal. Personally, I have experienced most of the common Albuterol side effects. These side effects include: a nasty aftertaste, coughing, dry mouth and throat, tremors, nervousness, dizziness, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, and insomnia.
The nasty aftertaste and dry mouth and throat are the easiest of the Albuterol side effects for me to deal with. A tall, cold glass of water, milk, or fruit juice takes care of these problems nicely. The cough is annoying, but usually a cough drop or peppermint candy will help. However, the other Albuterol side effects I experience are more difficult to handle. The tremors make it difficult to write or type for about 15 minutes to half an hour. The dizziness, nervousness, headache, nausea, and rapid pulse are even more problematic. However, sitting down, closing my eyes, and breathing in and out slowly and deeply for a while will usually control them. If not, I have to go lie down for a few minutes. These less mild Albuterol side effects rarely last more than an hour, except for the insomnia. If I use my inhaler right before bedtime, I’ll most likely be up half the night. Interestingly, the worse the asthma attack, the fewer the Albuterol side effects I experience from using my inhaler.
Fortunately, I have never experienced really severe or dangerous Albuterol side effects when using my inhaler. Possibly dangerous Albuterol side effects include: allergic reactions, bronchospasm (a worsening of asthma symptoms), chest pain (angina), pounding or uneven heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, severe headaches, blurred vision, and seizures.
A word of warning: If you have been prescribed an Albuterol inhaler make sure you read the patient information included by your pharmacist to familiarize yourself with the medication. Then, if you experience any Albuterol side effect that is more than mildly annoying or seems strange, tell your doctor right away. It could be nothing, but you don’t want to take chances with your health.
In my case, the Albuterol side effects I experience started out mild, but my reactions to the medication have grown progressively worse over time. According to my doctor, this is somewhat common, and eventually I will not be able to use Albuterol inhalers anymore. In all honesty though, at this point, the Albuterol side effects are still less bothersome than my asthma attacks.
Sources:
Drugs.com: Albuterol
WebMDHealth.com: Albuterol
MedlinePlus: Albuterol
