Side Effects of Pirbuterol

Nausea, nervousness, and shakiness are a few common side effects of pirbuterol. In most cases, the side effects seen with pirbuterol are minor and don't require medical attention. However, certain problems should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Alert your healthcare provider right away if you experience worsening breathing problems, a very fast heart rate, or high blood pressure, among other serious side effects.

 

An Introduction to Side Effects of Pirbuterol

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with pirbuterol acetate (Maxair®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate pirbuterol well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with pirbuterol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of pirbuterol side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Pirbuterol

Pirbuterol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common pirbuterol side effects included:
 
  • Nervousness -- in up to 6.9 percent of people
  • Shakiness (tremors) -- up to 6 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 2 percent
  • Nausea -- up to 1.7 percent
  • Feelings of a forcefully or rapidly beating heart (heart palpitations) -- up to 1.7 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 1.2 percent
  • Cough -- up to 1.2 percent.
     
(Side Effects of Pirbuterol Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;