Treatment of attacks in hyperkalaemic familial periodic paralysis by inhalation of salbutamol.

In fifteen patients with hyperkalaemic familial periodic paralysis, inhalation of salbutamol alleviated hyperkaleamia and paralysis precipitated by exercise or oral administration of potassium chloride. In-vitro studies with rat soleus muscles indicated that the hypokalaemic effect of salbutamol is related to stimulation of the active coupled transport of sodium and potassium in muscle cells. Follow-up studies proved that the inhalation of salbutamol is a simple and adequate method for the treatment of the paralytic episodes in these patients.