Night cramp and preventer inhaler

[wozwell]

Hi I was using Relivar for few years as a preventer for Brittle Asthma. I developed a very coarse throat and so GP changed inhaler to LUFORBEC. I no longer have the throat isse but suffer with severe night cramps. I use Magnesium oil to help this but wondered if it could be the inhaler. Does anyone know if this could be the reason, if so, why and how can I prevent this? Thanks everyone.

[Poobah]

We've just had this conversation about Salbutamol on another thread! I think this must be quite common. Short and long term bronchodilators in inhalers can affect potassium levels in some patients. This is detailed in the patient leaflets that accompany the medication.

Low potassium levels can affect muscles, causing twitches and cramps. A diet rich in potassium is often enough to address the effects. But don't take potassium supplements as these can cause levels to spike and that's not at all good.

The patient leaflet does say that doctors can monitor potassium levels and treat if necessary. I've had low potassium a couple of times, once treated with potassium supplements by the doctor and recently, only to be reminded to eat more potassium rich foods.

I know when my feet start to cramp, to up the potassium foods. But I also have annual blood tests.

[strongmouse in reply to Poobah]

I'm on fostair and find I have the same problem. Eating a banana, which is high in potassium, two or three times a week usually does the trick.

[JumpJiving]

I'd be tempted to get an early morning (08:00-09:00 ) cortisol blood test done, just in case the cramps are being caused by low cortisol. Hopefully not, but easily checked.

[Bevvy]

I used to have severe cramps at night. I tried the usual things such as increasing my water intake and drinking tonic water for the quinine. Eventually I had to take prescription quinine tablets to help the situation.