Lack Of Kratom Interactions With Montelukast And Albuterol Question
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist explores potential interactions between kratom, albuterol, and montelukast.
Hi, do you know whether there are any interactions between Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and montelukast or albuterol? The interactions checker lists the interactions as "unknown".
Jun 01, 2024- No known interactions have been identified between kratom and either montelukast or albuterol based on how these medications are metabolized in the body. While natural products like kratom often lack extensive testing for drug interactions, it's important to discuss any supplements with your doctor before starting them. Natural medicines are not as thoroughly studied for interactions as prescription drugs, so ongoing medical supervision is recommended when using them alongside medications.
Answer
Thank you for contacting us and using our drug-herb interaction checker!
Currently, our interaction checker lists 'unknown' for interactions between kratom, albuterol, and montelukast, as you indicated in your question. 'Unknown' in our database means that no known interaction exists. However, we always urge caution because there may be a lack of data to definitively confirm whether an interaction does or does not exist, especially with natural medicines.
Kratom does have several interactions listed in our database. It is classified as an inhibitor of several CYP metabolizing enzymes and as a CNS (central nervous system) depressant. For example, we have listed interactions between kratom and all opioids, such as morphine (Kratom - Morphine Sulfate Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist), due to this classification.
Regarding albuterol and montelukast, as mentioned, we have no interactions listed.
Montelukast (Kratom - Montelukast Sodium Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist) is extensively metabolized in the liver by several different CYP enzymes, with CYP2C8 being the most predominant. It is not believed that kratom affects this enzyme to a clinically significant degree.
Similarly, albuterol (Kratom - Albuterol Interaction Details | HelloPharmacist) is metabolized in the liver but not by enzymes thought to be affected by kratom.
Overall, we do not have any empirical evidence that kratom interacts with montelukast or albuterol, and we would not theorize an interaction based on known mechanisms of action or metabolism. This is why we do not list any interactions.
Final Words
As always, it is recommended to talk to your doctor before starting any new medications or supplements so you can be appropriately monitored. Although no interactions are thought to be present, natural medications are not often extensively tested regarding drug interaction, so it is good to be under the care of your doctor.
Thanks again for contacting us!
References & sources
- Liver injury associated with kratom, a popular opioid-like product: Experience from the U.S. drug induced liver injury network and a review of the literature — PubMed
- Evaluation of the Mitragynine Content, Levels of Toxic Metals and the Presence of Microbes in Kratom Products Purchased in the Western Suburbs of Chicago — PubMed
- A New Indole Alkaloid, 7 alpha-Hydroxy-7H-mitragynine, from Mitragyna speciosa in Thailand — PubMed
- Singulair Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- CYP enzymes
- Proteins in your liver that break down and eliminate most medications and supplements from your body.
- Inhibitor
- A substance that slows down or blocks the activity of something else, like an enzyme.
- CNS depressant
- A substance that slows down brain and nervous system activity, potentially causing drowsiness or reduced alertness.
- Metabolized
- The process by which your body breaks down a drug or substance into forms it can use or eliminate.
- CYP2C8
- A specific liver enzyme responsible for breaking down certain medications.
- Clinically significant
- Important enough to produce noticeable effects on a patient's health or treatment.
- Empirical evidence
- Information based on actual observation or testing rather than theory alone.
- Mechanism of action
- The specific way a drug or substance works in the body to produce its effects.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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