Bitolterol Side Effects
Applies to bitolterol: inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution.
Warning
It is very important that you use your bitolterol inhaler or nebulizer properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler and nebulizer use.
Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Stop using bitolterol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
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chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use bitolterol inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience
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tremor or nervousness;
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sweating;
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to bitolterol: inhalation aerosol, inhalation solution.
Cardiovascular
Tachycardia has been reported in 3.7% of patients, palpitations in 3.1% of patients, and irregular pulse in 1.2% of patients. Higher dosages of bitolterol should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease, arrhythmias, or hypertension.[Ref]
Cardiovascular side effects have included palpitations and peripheral vasodilation, commonly resulting in reflex tachycardia. Changes in blood pressure, both increases and decreases, have been reported. Higher dosages have rarely aggravated angina and myocardial ischemia or caused atrial or ventricular arrhythmias.[Ref]
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects have rarely included hyperglycemia and hyperthyroidism.[Ref]
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included tremors (26.6%), nervousness (11.1%), headache (8.4%), lightheadedness (6.8%), dizziness (4%), paresthesia (1.5%), and somnolence (1.2%).[Ref]
The incidence of tremors has been reported to decrease from 22% to 9% during the third month of therapy with bitolterol.[Ref]
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects have included coughing (2.5%), bronchospasm (1.5%), chest discomfort (1.5%), and rhinitis (1.5%).[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects have included throat irritation (2.5%), mouth irritation (1.9%), and nausea (1.9%).[Ref]
More about bitolterol
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: adrenergic bronchodilators
- Breastfeeding
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Tornalate (bitolterol). Apothecon Inc. 2022.
2. Nathan RA, Bronsky EA, Dockhorn RJ, Kemp JP. Multicenter dose-ranging study of bitolterol mesylate solution for nebulization in children with asthma. Ann Allergy. 1994;72:209-16.
3. Bierman CW, Kemp JP, Nathan RA. Efficacy and safety of inhaled bitolterol mesylate via metered-dose inhaler in children with asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1996;76:27-35.
4. Pinnas JL, Bhatt BD, Campbell SC, Kemp JP, Tinkelman DG. Dose-response study of nebulized bitolterol mesylate solution in asthmatic patients. Chest. 1987;91:533-9.
5. Bitolterol--a new bronchodilator. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1985;27:46-7.
6. Walker SB, Bierman CW, Pierson WE, Shapiro GG, Furukawa CT, Mingo TS. Bitolterol mesylate in exercise-induced asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1986;77:32-6.
7. Orgel HA, Kemp JP, Tinkelman DG, Webb DR Jr. Bitolterol and albuterol metered-dose aerosols: comparison of two long-acting beta 2-adrenergic bronchodilators for treatment o asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1985;75:55-62.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
