Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator used to relieve asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. It is found in branded inhalers, like Ventolin and Salamol, but it is also available as a generic salbutamol inhaler, which can be more cost-effective.

Salbutamol inhalers are known as reliever or blue inhalers because they are only used when asthma symptoms occur or just before you are going to be exposed to an asthma trigger. They are not the same as preventer (brown) inhalers, which are used every day to keep your asthma symptoms under control.

Please note: Salbutamol inhalers are no longer recommended as a single treatment. You must also be given an inhaled steroid as part of your management plan. If you only have a reliever inhaler, contact your GP for an asthma review.

Salbutamol works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the airways, widening them and making it easier to breathe. This quickly relieves symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness, which are common signs of an asthma attack. Salbutamol should only be used when you experience these symptoms.

How quickly does salbutamol work?

Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator that gets to work as soon as you take a puff and can provide relief in as little as 5 minutes.

A salbutamol inhaler should be used as needed rather than regularly. If you need to use the inhaler more than twice a week, then you should speak to your doctor to review your asthma treatment.

Before using the salbutamol inhaler for the first time or if you have not used it for 5 days or more, you need to test it by releasing 2 puffs into the air.

How to use salbutamol inhaler

When you have tested the inhaler, it is ready for use. To use the salbutamol inhaler, you should:

1. Stand or sit upright to administer the medication.
2. Remove the cap and make sure the mouthpiece is clean and free from debris.
3. Shake the inhaler up and down 4 or 5 times to make sure the contents are well mixed. Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base and your first finger on the top of the canister.
4. Breathe out as far as you comfortably can. Hold the mouthpiece firmly between your lips without biting.
5. Breathe in slowly and deeply, and as you start to breathe in, press the canister down to release the medication. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply.
6. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can. Then remove the inhaler from your mouth and breathe out slowly.
7. If your doctor has told you to take 2 puffs, wait about a minute and then repeat from step 3.
8. After use, replace the cap by firmly clicking it into position.

When should I use my salbutamol inhaler?

Salbutamol inhalers should only be used when you need them, either to relieve asthma symptoms, before an activity that is likely to make you short of breath, or before being exposed to a trigger, like pet hair or pollen.

How often should I use my salbutamol inhaler?

A salbutamol inhaler is used as needed, with the usual dose of 1 or 2 puffs. You can use the inhaler up to 4 times in 24 hours. If you need to use it more than this, it can be a sign that your asthma is getting worse, and you may need a different treatment. You’re also more likely to get side effects, like headaches, shakiness, or an increased heart rate.

To keep your inhaler working properly, you need to do some things to maintain it. These are:

• cleaning the inhaler once a week
• storing it below 25℃
• warming the canister between your hands if it becomes cold before use

How to clean the salbutamol inhaler

Cleaning your inhaler once a week will help to keep it working properly and make sure it is ready if you need to use it. To clean your salbutamol Evohaler:

1. Remove the mouthpiece cap.
2. Remove the metal canister from the plastic housing. Do not put the metal canister in water.
3. Rinse the plastic mouthpiece and the cap with warm running water for 30 seconds.
4. Shake any excess water off and dry the plastic casing and mouthpiece cover thoroughly, preferably overnight.
5. Replace the metal canister in the inhaler, then replace the cap.

Salbutamol inhalers are only available with a prescription from a doctor, either on the NHS or privately from an online doctor service.

Can I buy a salbutamol inhaler online?

Yes, if you have already been prescribed a salbutamol inhaler by your doctor, you can request a repeat online from Superdrug Online Doctor.

To buy salbutamol inhaler from us, you need to:

1. Fill out a short online health questionnaire about your health and lifestyle.
2. Choose your preferred treatment and make a payment.
3. One of our doctors will review your answers and your medication request to see if it is suitable for you.
4. If approved, your order will be sent to your address in discreet packaging, or you can collect it from a Superdrug Pharmacy.

By requesting your salbutamol inhaler from us, you can expect your medication to be delivered quickly and discreetly. There’s also no need for a face-to-face appointment, so you can request your medication to fit around your lifestyle.

Can I buy a salbutamol inhaler over the counter?

No, salbutamol is a prescription-only medication so you cannot buy it over the counter.

Can I get a salbutamol inhaler on the NHS?

Yes, salbutamol is available on the NHS. You will need to make an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms, if you have not yet been diagnosed with asthma, or to have a medication review. Depending on your area, you may be given a generic salbutamol inhaler or a branded type like Ventolin.

Salbutamol can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone will get them.

Common salbutamol side effects include:

• feeling shaky
• feeling tense and headaches
• dizziness

Uncommon salbutamol side effects are:

• mouth and throat irritation
• muscle cramps
• muscle pain

Rare salbutamol side effects are:

• low blood potassium levels
• increased blood flow to your extremities (peripheral dilatation)
• changes in sleep patterns
• changes in behaviour, like restlessness and excitability
• feeling or being sick
• dry and sore mouth
• increased blood lactate levels

You can find a full list of side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

How long do salbutamol side effects last?

The effects of salbutamol are short-lasting, usually 4 to 6 hours, so most side effects will get better on their own within 30 minutes to a few hours.

What to do if you get salbutamol side effects

Most mild salbutamol effects will go away on their own after the medication leaves your body, but they can be managed in the meantime by:

• taking over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol
• rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out after each use of the inhaler
• staying hydrated
• trying some deep breathing techniques and getting some rest

If you get any of the following serious side effects, stop using the medication and see a doctor straight away or in an emergency, call 999:

• wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing
• rash
• swelling of the face and throat
• low blood pressure
• collapse

Salbutamol may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use a salbutamol inhaler if you:

• are allergic to salbutamol sulfate or any other ingredient listed in the inhaler
• unexpectedly go into early labour or threatened abortion

Before taking salbutamol, tell your doctor if your asthma is active or you have:

• high blood pressure
• an overactive thyroid
• a history of heart problems, like a fast or irregular heartbeat or angina

Salbutamol and other medications

Some medications can interact with salbutamol, so it is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

Tell your doctor if you are taking:

• xanthine derivatives or steroids to treat asthma
• water tablets (diuretics)
• medications to treat a fast or irregular heartbeat
• any other medications to manage your asthma

Some medications can influence the effect of salbutamol, such as:

• beta-blockers
• heart disease medications, like digoxin
• depression medications
• medications to treat chronic alcohol use
• metronidazole

Salbutamol and pregnancy

Speak to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before using a salbutamol inhaler if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby.