Question

A nurse administers albuterol to a child with asthma. For what common side effect should the nurse monitor the child?

Answer 1

sulfate (albuterol sulfate inhalation solution) is a bronchodilator used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease. Albuterol is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. Albuterol sulfate is available in genericform. Common side effects of albuterol sulfate include:

• headache,
• dizziness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• cough,
• hoarseness,
• sore throat,
• runny or stuffy nose,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dry mouth and throat,
• muscle pain, or
• diarrhea.

serious side effects of albuterol sulfate including bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister of this medicine; nervousness; shaking (tremor); headache; chest pain and fast, pounding, or irregular/uneven heartbeats (palpitations); low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, irregular heartbeat.Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.