Salbutamol is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe.
Salbutamol is sometimes given as tablets, capsules or syrup for people who cannot use an inhaler very well.
It can also be given using a nebuliser, but this is usually only if you have severe asthma or COPD. A nebuliser is a machine that helps you breathe in your medicine as a mist, using a mask or a mouthpiece. You can use a nebuliser in hospital or you may be given one to manage your condition at home.
This medicine is only available on prescription.
Key facts
Salbutamol inhalers are safe and effective with few side effects if you use them as advised by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Salbutamol inhalers are called "reliever" inhalers because they give you quick relief from breathing problems when you need it. In most cases, you will be given another inhaler to "prevent" your symptoms and you should use this regularly every day.
If you need to use your salbutamol inhaler more than 3 times a week, it could be a sign that your breathing problem is not well controlled. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Salbutamol is safe to use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Who can and cannot use salbutamol inhalers
Salbutamol can be used by adults and children of all ages.
Salbutamol is not suitable for people with certain health problems.
Check with your doctor before starting salbutamol if you:
have had an allergic reaction to salbutamol or any other medicines in the past
take other medicines including ones you buy from a pharmacy, herbal remedies or supplements
have a rare inherited digestive disorder of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactase malabsorption. This is because many salbutamol products contain lactose. Do not have lactose if you have these conditions
If you have a lactose intolerance, however, the amount of lactose in salbutamol products is too small to cause you any problems.
How and when to use your inhaler
Only use your salbutamol when you need it. This may be when you notice symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest or you know that you are going to do an activity that can make you breathless, for example climbing stairs or sport. You should feel a difference to your breathing within a few minutes.
The normal way for adults and children to use their inhaler is:
1 or 2 puffs of salbutamol when you need it
up to a maximum of 4 times in 24 hours (regardless of whether you have 1 puff or 2 puffs at a time)
Salbutamol is sometimes prescribed to prevent breathing symptoms happening in the first place. This could be before a trigger such as exercise or exposure to pets. In this situation, the normal dose is still 1 or 2 puffs at a time.
If you need to use your inhaler more than 4 times in 24 hours:
it may mean that your health problem is getting worse and that you need different treatment
you are more likely to get side effects such as increased heart rate, jitteriness, nervousness and headaches
Make an appointment to see your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you need to use your inhaler:
more than 4 times in 24 hours
more than 2 days of each week
in the middle of the night at least once a week
During an asthma attack
In a sudden asthma attack you can use your inhaler more and take up to 10 puffs. Wait 30 seconds and always shake the inhaler between doses. You can repeat this dose 10 minutes later.
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