Albuterol is a beta2-agonist that acts as a short-acting bronchodilator designed to treat acute asthma attacks and relax airway openings. According to a report published on "The New York Times" website, albuterol is the standard short-acting beta2-agonist prescribed in America. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 20 million Americans are diagnosed with asthma and every day 30,000 people suffer an acute asthma attack. While albuterol is typically used to treat these attacks, albuterol can deplete potassium levels in your body. If you use albuterol on a regular basis, consult with your physician about monitoring your potassium and the possible need for supplementation.
Albuterol
Albuterol is a beta2-agonist bronchodilator that is prescribed to treat the wheezing, breathing difficulty and chest tightness caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. It works by relaxing and opening up the air passages to the lungs. Albuterol comes in many different forms including tablet, syrup, a liquid solution that is inhaled through the use of a nebulizer, which is a machine that turns the liquid into a mist, or an aerosol that is inhaled through the use of an inhaler. Possible side effects caused by albuterol can be nervousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable shaking, cough, irregular heartbeat and muscle, bone or back pain.
Potassium
Potassium is a vital mineral and electrolyte essential for the proper function of cells, tissues and organs. It is essential for heart function in that it plays a key role in skeletal and smooth muscle contractions. Potassium can be acquired through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Some high sources of potassium include sweet potatoes, halibut, tuna, cod, bananas and spinach. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, can cause weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps, stomach disturbances, irregular heartbeat and an abnormal electrocardiogram, or EKG. A lack of potassium in the diet, eating disorders, and certain medications can cause potassium deficiency.
Medical Research
Numerous studies have looked at the effects of albuterol on serum potassium levels. A 2003 study published in the "Journal of Emergency Medicine" showed how effective albuterol is in treating patients with hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium, by quickly reducing the serum potassium level after treatment. A 2001 study published in "Drug Safety" looked at the effects of asthma medications and their potential adverse effects. The study showed that beta2-agonists, such as albuterol, increased the risk of hypokalemia, especially when used together with other asthma medications like corticosteroids and theophyllines.
Considerations
If you suffer from asthma and use albuterol on a regular basis, you are advised to consult with your physician and have your potassium levels evaluated. Your physician may advise you to take potassium supplements or prescribe a different medication for your asthma. Do not supplement potassium without first consulting with your physician, as too much potassium can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause irregular heartbeat, nausea and a slow, weak or absent pulse. Potassium supplements can interact with a variety of different medications, so make sure your physician knows all the medications and supplements you are currently taking.
References
- "The New York Times"; Pediatric Asthma; July 14, 2011
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Facts and Figures
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005; July 9, 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Potassium; May 6, 2009
- "Journal of Emergency Medicine"; Levalbuterol Is as Effective as Racemic Albuterol in Lowering Serum Potassium; D. Pancu, et al.; July 2003
- "Drug Safety"; Asthma Medications and Their Potential Adverse Effects in the Elderly: Recommendations for Prescribing; D.M. Newnham; 2001
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