Salbutamol

Salbutamol is a reliever inhaler. It quickly opens the airways when you are wheezy or breathless with asthma or COPD.

Type of medicine

Short-acting reliever (bronchodilator)

Also known as

Ventolin, Salamol, Airomir, Easyhaler Salbutamol

Comes as

inhalers, nebuliser liquid, tablets, liquid, injection

How you get it

Prescription only

What it is used for

Quick relief of asthma symptoms and asthma attacks
Preventing asthma symptoms caused by exercise
Relieving breathlessness in COPD

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

High potassium levels (nebuliser, in hospital)

How it works

Salbutamol relaxes the muscles around the airways within a few minutes. This opens the airways and makes breathing easier for 4 to 6 hours.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Salbutamol can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

shaking hands
a fast or pounding heartbeat
headache
muscle cramps
feeling nervous

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

wheezing that gets worse straight after using it
chest pain or a very fast or irregular heartbeat
if your reliever is not helping, or you need it every 4 hours or more. Get urgent help

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

If you need your reliever 3 or more times a week, your asthma is not well controlled. See your GP or nurse.
In an asthma attack, follow your action plan and call 999 if it does not help.
Using a spacer helps more of the medicine reach your lungs.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.