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Detailed medicine guidance

Using salbutamol inhalers with other medicines and herbal supplements

NHS medicines information on possible interactions with salbutamol and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.

Cautions with other medicines

Salbutamol inhalers can be used with most other medicines. But some medicines may affect your inhaler or increase the chance of having side effects.

Check with a pharmacist or your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, including:

  • a beta blocker like bisoprolol, as these can affect the way salbutamol works – your doctor will decide whether the benefits of taking both medicines outweigh the risks
  • medicines to reduce build-up of fluid (diuretics), such as bendroflumethiazide or furosemide, as these may increase the risk of a low potassium level
  • steroids, such as prednisolone, as these may increase the risk of a low potassium level
  • other medicines to treat your breathing problem, such as theophylline or aminophylline, as these may increase the risk of a low potassium level
  • medicines to treat depression

These are not all the medicines that may cause problems if you take them with salbutamol. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 ↗. MyPHU is independent and is not endorsed by the NHS.

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