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.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
May Be Beneficial:Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them.
Calcium*
Magnesium*
Phosphate*
Potassium*
May Be Beneficial:Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better.
Coleus*
Check:Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.
Digitalis
Side effect reduction/prevention
None known
Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability
None known
Adverse interaction
None known
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 Dietary 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.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Albuterol may be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.6
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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.
The information presented in Aisle7 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.
