Which of the following is a common side effect of albuterol?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Cough

Answer: (C)

Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist used to relax airway smooth muscle, but some of the medication can reach the bloodstream. That systemic exposure can stimulate receptors in the heart or trigger sympathetic activity, leading to an increased heart rate. Tachycardia is a well-known, common side effect of albuterol inhalation. Other options don’t fit as well: hypoglycemia is not typical (beta-agonists can raise blood sugar), drowsiness isn’t expected (it tends to be stimulating), and while coughing can occur from inhaled medications, tachycardia is more consistently reported.