Albuterol

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Also indexed as:

Albuterol Inhaled, Proventil, Ventolin

Combination List

Combination drug:

• Combivent

Albuterol is a short-acting, beta-adrenergic bronchodilator drug used for relief and prevention of bronchospasm. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. While albuterol is available in tablet form, it is most commonly used by oral inhalation into the lungs.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Albuterol

Depletion or interference	Calcium* Magnesium* Phosphate* Potassium*
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	Coleus*
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Other (see text)	Digitalis

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Minerals

Therapeutic amounts of intravenous salbutamol (albuterol) in four healthy people were associated with decreased plasma levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium.¹ Decreased potassium levels have been reported with oral,² intramuscular, and subcutaneous albuterol administration.³ How frequently this effect occurs is not known; whether these changes are preventable through diet or supplementation is also unknown.

Interactions with Herbs

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea)

Digitalis refers to a family of plants (commonly called foxglove) that contain digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin.

In a small study of salbutamol (albuterol) in people receiving digoxin, albuterol was associated with decreased serum digoxin levels.⁴ No interactions between albuterol and digitalis have been reported. Until more is known, albuterol and digitalis-containing products should be used only under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in their use.

Coleus

A test tube study demonstrated that the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol (albuterol) were significantly increased by the addition of forskolin, the active component of the herb Coleus forskohlii.⁵ The results of this preliminary research suggest that the combination of forskolin and beta-agonists such as albuterol might provide an alternative to raising the doses of the beta-agonist drugs as they lose effectiveness. Until more is known, coleus should not be combined with albuterol without the supervision of a doctor.

Other Interactions

Food

Albuterol may be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.⁶

References

1. Phillips PJ, Vedig AE, Jones PL, et al. Metabolic and cardiovascular side effects of the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists salbutamol and rimiterol. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1980;9:483-91.
2. Edner M, Jogestrand T. Oral salbutamol decreases serum digoxin concentration. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1990;38:195-7.
3. Spector SL. Adverse reactions associated with parenteral beta agonists: serum potassium changes. N Engl Reg Allergy Proc 1987;8:317-22.
4. Edner M, Jogestrand T. Oral salbutamol decreases serum digoxin concentration. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1990;38:195-7.
5. Yousif MH, Thulesius O. Forskolin reverses tachyphylaxis to the bronchodilator effects of salbutamol: an in-vitro study on isolated guinea-pig trachea. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:181-6.
6. Threlkeld DS, ed. Respiratory Drugs, Bronchodilators, Sympathomimetics. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1994, 174a-5.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2008.

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