Especially in young children, albuterol may cause tremors and nervousness. Some other potential side effects include insomnia, headaches, nausea, and dry mouth.
In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advised against routinely using albuterol in children with wheezing from bronchiolitis because studies showed it was not effective.
If a doctor prescribes albuterol for a child with asthma, it’s important to know the potential risks and side effects. While albuterol may be helpful in some situations, the benefits must be weighed against the potential risks and side effects.
These side effects can include tremors and nervousness, especially in young children. If your child’s doctor recommends the use of albuterol, it’s important to make sure you understand the directions for its use and when to seek medical assistance.
Tremors and nervousness are side effects of albuterol that can happen in individuals of all ages. But these are especially common in children between the ages of
Other side effects of albuterol can include:
- insomnia
- headaches
- nausea and vomiting
- fever and chills
- dizziness
- coughing or bronchospasms
- dry mouth
If your child has a cold or bronchiolitis and is having trouble breathing, their doctor may suggest other natural remedies to help them feel and breathe better. This can include suctioning the mucus out of their nose and encouraging additional fluids to help prevent dehydration.
If your child has wheezing caused by asthma, there are other medications besides albuterol that doctors may prescribe for asthma. These may include:
- inhaled corticosteroids
- combination corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilator inhalers
- theophylline
- leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast and zafirlukast)
If your toddler is experiencing side effects from albuterol, it’s important to let their doctor know.
They may
Using control medications for asthma, if prescribed, can lessen the need for albuterol.
Taking measures to prevent the spread of germs and infections can help reduce the likelihood of needing albuterol. This can include making sure that children and adults wash their hands frequently, avoiding contact with individuals who are sick, and getting vaccinated.
If your toddler will be using albuterol, it’s important to follow all of the directions given by their doctor and only use the recommended dosage. Ingesting more albuterol than recommended can have serious health consequences.
It’s important to get immediate medical attention if a child:
- seems very ill
- is unable or struggling to breathe
- experiences severe chest pain
- has a bluish tint to their skin, lips, or nail beds
- faints or shows signs of confusion
- has trouble consuming enough liquids
- shows signs of dehydration like insufficient wet diapers and a lack of tears when crying
Contact a child’s doctor or healthcare professional for a fever lasting more than a few days.
What is the major side effect of albuterol?
The primary side effects of albuterol are tremors and nervousness, which affect about
Is it safe for a toddler to use expired albuterol?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Albuterol is a medication commonly used to open airways during an asthma attack (exacerbation). However, the AAP does not recommend routine use in young children with bronchiolitis.
Some side effects of albuterol in toddlers can include tremors, nervousness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth.
If your child’s doctor does recommend albuterol, it’s important to use it only as prescribed and to clarify when you should seek additional medical assistance.