Rescue before controller?

[PinksLove4Ever]

I went to my doctor who said that (while changing medications) he couldn't give me a dose of symbicort because he gave me a dose of albuterol. Is this true, or, is he just overly cautious?

[Hidden]

Interactions between your selected drugs

Moderate

albuterol ↔ formoterol

Applies to: albuterol and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)

Using albuterol together with formoterol may increase cardiovascular side effects such as elevations in heart rate and blood pressure or irregular heart rhythm. Let your doctor know if you have preexisting cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease, arrhythmia, or high blood pressure. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

drugs.com/drug-interactions...

[Mark-f]

Strange .... I was told by my consultant it's better to take salbutamol before taking any maintenance inhaler like symbicort as it opens up the airways !!

[Minushabens in reply to Mark-f]

That's exactly right, but I think albuterol is a bronchodilator whereas symbicort is a combination inhaler so I can only guess that he thought it best to open the airways quickly before taking symbicort.

[ChrissieMons]

It would be like taking the rescue inhaler twice, as the same kind of chemical is in Symbicort: it has a 'rescue' and a preventative, so I can see why he said don't do it. Taking e.g. salbutamol before another preventer is sometimes a good idea - you have to rely on what your doctor thinks and ask him to explain if you don't understand him.