Some metabolic and hormonal effects of salbutamol in man

The effect of i.v. infusion of a beta-adrenergic stimulant, salbutamol on blood insulin, glucose, lactate, phosphates, potassium and NEFA was studied in 9 normal subjects. The effect of the drug on the blood sugar and insulin response to i.v. glucose was also examined in 4 subjects. Salbutamol was followed by increases in insulin, glucose and lactate, and a fall in blood phosphorus and potassium. NEFA values did not change significantly. These effects of salbutamol were abolished by propranolol and may thus be attributed to its beta-adrenergic stimulating action. Salbutamol also induced a reduction in glucose tolerance, in spite of the presence of enhanced blood insulin levels.