Pirbuterol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 13, 2023.

Applies to pirbuterol: inhalation aerosol.

Important Warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking pirbuterol: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister of this medicine;

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;

• tremor, nervousness;

• 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 your ears, anxiety, confusion, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure.

Common side effects may include:

• headache;

• dizziness;

• cough; or

• mild nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to pirbuterol: inhalation aerosol.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included palpitations and peripheral vasodilation, commonly resulting in reflex tachycardia. Blood pressure may increase or decrease. Higher doses may rarely aggravate angina, myocardial ischemia, or cause atrial or ventricular arrhythmias.^[Ref]

Although most studies have not revealed a significant effect of pirbuterol on blood pressure or heart rate, anecdotally significant increases have been noted. Aggravation of angina may be due to tachycardia produced by pirbuterol. Supraventricular premature beats and ventricular tachycardia have also been reported. Higher doses of pirbuterol should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease, arrhythmias, or hypertension. All of these effects are dose-related and lower doses may be tolerated.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included tremors, especially at higher doses.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, dry mouth, and diarrhea.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included hypokalemia and, less commonly, hyperglycemia.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, and headache.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included cough. Rare instances of paradoxical bronchoconstriction have been associated with the use of pirbuterol.^[Ref]

Further information

Pirbuterol side effects can vary depending on the individual. 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.

Medical Disclaimer