Drug

Albuterol

Common brand names:

ProAir HFA, Proventil, Ventolin, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA

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, & Foods

  • Supportive Interactions

    5

    • Albuterol

      Calcium

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

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

      Calcium
      Albuterol
      ×
      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. Spector SL. Adverse reactions associated with parenteral beta agonists: serum potassium changes. N Engl Reg Allergy Proc 1987;8:317-22.

    • Albuterol

      Magnesium

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

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

      Magnesium
      Albuterol
      ×
      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.

    • Albuterol

      Phosphate

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

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

      Phosphate
      Albuterol
      ×
      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. Spector SL. Adverse reactions associated with parenteral beta agonists: serum potassium changes. N Engl Reg Allergy Proc 1987;8:317-22.

    • Albuterol

      Potassium

      Replenish Depleted Nutrients

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

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

      Potassium
      Albuterol
      ×
      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.

    • Albuterol

      Coleus

      Support Medicine

      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. 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.

      Coleus
      Albuterol
      ×
      1. 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.

  • Explanation Required

    1

    • Albuterol

      Digitalis

      Needs Explanation

      This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

      Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea) 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. 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.

      Digitalis
      Albuterol
      ×
      1. Edner M, Jogestrand T. Oral salbutamol decreases serum digoxin concentration. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1990;38:195-7.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Copyright © 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted product from TraceGains.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

Learn more about the authors of RxAnswers.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2025.