Salmeterol-induced vertigo

Abstract

Dizziness, together with hypotension and faintness, are well-known adverse drug reactions of salbutamol that have been related to its cardiovascular effects. However, we could find no published reference to vertigo in patients taking salmeterol, in the absence of cardiovascular alterations. We present the case of a woman who experienced four independent episodes of vertigo lasting 36 h each, following four inhalations of salmeterol several months apart. The close temporal relationship between the inhalation of salmeterol and the onset of symptoms, as well as the positive re-exposures, reinforce this alleged association.