Salmeterol is a member of the drug family known as long-acting, beta-adrenergic
bronchodilators. It is inhaled by mouth, into the lungs, to treat asthma and prevent bronchospasm. Salmeterol is also
used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.
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:Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better.
Coleus*
Depletion or interference
None known
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 Herbs
Coleus
(Coleus forskohlii)
A test tube study demonstrated that the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol, another
beta-adrenergic bronchodilator drug, were significantly increased by the addition of
forskolin, the active component of the herb Coleus forskohlii.1 The
results of this preliminary research suggest that the combination of forskolin and
beta-agonists 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 salmeterol
without the supervision of a doctor.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
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.
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 June 2009.
