AFIB and bronchial inhalers

[joey35]

My husband who is 61 has AFIB. He takes albuterol and advair when needed. Are any of these drugs dangers with his AFIB?

[NOAFIB]

Hi Dr. Rajput,

Are you a cardiologist? If so, I have a question for you.Does paroxysmal AFIB permanently alter your heart structure after a period? I have been diagnosed with AFIB for a year now and has experienced about 30 episodes.
I have been prescribed 225Mg of Propafenone twice a day and this does not seem to have an effect. I have no other heart diseases, I am 60 years of age, 150lbs and 5.9" in height. I have had Asthma since childhood.

Thank you,

Viraj  

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, these drugs like Albuterol and fluticasone do not interfere much with the cardiac activity. Albuterol predominantly acts on respiratory bronchioles but has a little action over heart.  Hence, it should be cautiously used in him; these may cause elevation in blood pressure, heart rate and result in CNS stimulation/excitation. Albuterol may also increase risk of arrhythmias.

Such effects are quiet negligible when given by inhalational route. Drug should be taken when necessary and should not be repeated in short interval. Fluticasone mainly acts as anti inflammatory drug and has no action on heart. Hence, these drugs can be safely given in patients with Atrial fibrillation. I suggest you to consult physician for more information. Take care and regards.