Paradoxical bronchospasm: a potentially life threatening adverse effect of albuterol

South Med J. 2006 Mar;99(3):288-9. doi: 10.1097/01.smj.0000202699.93002.e8.

Abstract

We report a case of paradoxical bronchospasm to both levalbuterol and albuterol. While the exact mechanism for this known adverse effect of albuterol is not known, awareness of this adverse effect can be life saving to the patient. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of paradoxical bronchospasm to levalbuterol inhalation solution.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Albuterol / administration & dosage
  • Albuterol / adverse effects*
  • Bronchial Spasm / chemically induced*
  • Bronchial Spasm / drug therapy
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bronchodilator Agents / adverse effects*
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy
  • Sympathomimetics / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Sympathomimetics
  • Albuterol
  • Epinephrine