From the Guidelines
Dizziness is a potential side effect of albuterol use, and patients experiencing this symptom should continue their prescribed dosage but contact their healthcare provider to discuss their symptoms, as evidenced by a 2023 study published in Circulation 1. The study identified adverse effects of short-acting inhaled bronchodilators, including tachycardia, arrhythmias, tremor, dizziness, and a decrease in serum potassium concentrations, with albuterol being one of the bronchodilators included in the review. Some key points to consider when using albuterol and experiencing dizziness include:
- Albuterol can cause blood vessels to dilate and may temporarily lower blood pressure, or it may increase heart rate, both of which can lead to feelings of lightheadedness, as noted in the study 1.
- To minimize dizziness, patients should try using their inhaler while seated, avoid sudden position changes after using it, stay well-hydrated, and ensure proper inhaler technique.
- If dizziness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing, patients should seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate an adverse reaction requiring prompt intervention, as highlighted by case reports of severe side effects associated with short-acting bronchodilators 1.
- Patients should never adjust their medication dosage without medical guidance, and healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for dizziness and other adverse effects when prescribing albuterol, as discussed in the 2023 Circulation study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS The results of clinical trials with albuterol sulfate inhalation solution in 135 patients showed the following side effects which were considered probably or possibly drug related: Central Nervous System: tremors (20%), dizziness (7%), nervousness (4%), headache (3%), insomnia (1%). Cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hoarseness, oropharyngeal edema, arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillations, supraventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles) have been reported after the use of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution.
Dizziness and Albuterol Use: Dizziness is a reported side effect of albuterol use, occurring in 7% of patients in clinical trials 2. This suggests that there is a potential link between albuterol use and dizziness.
- Key Points:
- Dizziness is a possible side effect of albuterol.
- The incidence of dizziness in clinical trials was 7%.
- Albuterol should be used with caution in patients who experience dizziness or have a history of dizziness.
From the Research
Dizziness and Albuterol Use
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links albuterol use to dizziness as a side effect or outcome.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and benefits of combining albuterol with other medications, such as ipratropium, for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma 3, 4, 5, 6.
- One study discusses the therapeutic interchange program of metered dose inhalers to nebulizers, including albuterol, but does not mention dizziness as an outcome 4.
- Another study compares the bronchodilator efficacy of a fixed combination of ipratropium and albuterol to albuterol alone in moderate-to-severe persistent asthma, without mentioning dizziness 5.
- A retrospective study examines the delivery of ipratropium and albuterol combination therapy for COPD, but does not report dizziness as a side effect 6.
- A recent review discusses controversies in allergy treatment, including the combination of inhaled corticosteroids with short-acting beta2-agonists (SABA) or formoterol for reliever therapy, but does not address dizziness in relation to albuterol use 7.