Which is a common set of side effects associated with albuterol?

• A. Sedation and weight gain
• B. Nervousness, restlessness, tremor, chest pains, palpitations
• C. Hypotension and bradycardia
• D. Constipation

Answer: (B)

Albuterol stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors to relax airway muscles, but this adrenergic activity can spill over systemically, producing sympathetic-type side effects. The most common set includes nervousness and restlessness from central adrenergic stimulation, tremor from beta-2 effects in skeletal muscle, and chest pains or palpitations from increased heart rate or beta-1 receptor activity at higher levels. These effects are typical of beta-agonists like albuterol, especially when there is some systemic absorption from inhaled use.

Sedation and weight gain aren’t typical of albuterol. Hypotension and bradycardia are not expected—beta-agonists more often cause tachycardia. Constipation isn’t related to adrenergic stimulation. So the constellation of nervousness, restlessness, tremor, chest pains, and palpitations best reflects albuterol’s common side effects.