A common asthma drug improves muscle strength in children with muscle disease

What the research found

In Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, a 2004 pilot trial of nine boys found higher knee strength and muscle test scores on albuterol than on placebo. A 2008 trial of 14 boys aged 6 to 11 found more lean body mass and less fat on albuterol. It reported no differences in the strength measure it listed.

A 2009 placebo-controlled trial gave salbutamol to 112 adults with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy for 6 months. It found no significant change in muscle strength or timed motor tests. The drug was well tolerated.

For other conditions the support is weaker. A hospital leaflet for parents says salbutamol has been shown to improve strength in some congenital myasthenic disorders and central core disease. It says the SMA data come from observational studies. A 2016 case report described one boy with DOK7 congenital myasthenic syndrome whose strength improved dramatically.

What it doesn’t mean

• This does not mean an asthma puffer will help a child with weak muscles. For neuromuscular conditions salbutamol is usually given by mouth, as liquid or tablets, and only under a neurologist's direction.
• Side effects can include tremor, muscle cramps, palpitations and headache. Salbutamol can also lower potassium and, rarely, blood pressure, so children may need blood pressure, blood and heart tests first.
• Benefits seem to depend on the specific condition. If your child has a muscle disease, talk to their specialist or GP before trying any medicine.