Salbutamol is a type of medication used in asthma inhalers, and helps to relieve symptoms of asthma and COPD by opening up the airways, improving airflow and making it easier for you to breathe.

Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators. It is an asthma treatment also used to treat symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as:

• coughing
• wheezing
• chest tightness
• breathlessness

Salbutamol is a generic version of Ventolin. They are both reliever inhalers that contain salbutamol as their active ingredient, in the same dose, and work in exactly the same way.

Salbutamol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the smooth muscles lining your airways which causes them to widen, this then makes breathing easier for you.

Salbutamol is commonly referred to as a ‘blue’ inhaler and is normally used as and when it is needed to provide quick relief from breathing issues.

How long does salbutamol take to work?

Salbutamol gets to work straight away and most people notice an improvement in their symptoms within 10 to 15 minutes. Salbutamol continues working for about 5 hours.

Some people use their reliever inhaler to prevent asthma symptoms when they exercise. If you are going to take part in any physical activity that may trigger asthma symptoms, it is recommended that you take 2 puffs 15 minutes before you begin.

How effective is salbutamol

A meta analysis of the safety of salbutamol showed that 66% of patients do not experience any side effects and 97% of patients stick with their salbutamol treatment.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) salbutamol is one of the safest and most effective medicines available for asthma. The treatment has been used for over 50 years and is still considered the first-line treatment a doctor will use for acute asthma symptoms.

How to use a salbutamol inhaler:

1. Before you begin using your inhaler you need to try to breathe as slowly as possible.
2. Sit or stand upright before you use your inhaler.
3. Once you have removed the mouthpiece cover make sure it is clean and clear of any debris or obstructions.
4. Give the inhaler 4 or 5 shakes to mix the contents.
5. Hold the inhaler in your hand with your thumb on the base and your index finger on the canister.
6. Breathe out as far as you can and do not breathe back in, just hold your breath for a few seconds.
7. Place the inhaler mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it but do not bite.
8. As you begin to breathe in through your mouth, press down on top of the canister to release a puff of the medication. Continue breathing in steadily and deeply.
9. Continue to hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth.
10. Hold your breath for as long as it is comfortable.
11. If your doctor has advised you to take 2 puffs, wait 30 seconds then repeat steps 4 to 10.
12. When you are finished, ensure you replace the mouthpiece cover to keep it clean.

When you first receive your salbutamol inhaler, practice using it in front of the mirror a few times so you can familiarise yourself with the process. If you see any mist coming from anywhere around the inhaler you will need to start again trying to stop any mist escaping.

Only take salbutamol as you have been prescribed by your doctor. If you are unsure, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist or read the patient leaflet that comes with your inhaler for a full list of instructions on how to use your inhaler.

If you are aware of your triggers, you may be able to prevent an asthma attack. Common triggers include:

• exercise
• pollen
• dust
• animal dander

When should I take salbutamol

Salbutamol is used to relieve asthma symptoms brought on by a known trigger. You should use your inhaler as soon as you experience asthma symptoms, like:

• coughing
• wheezing
• breathlessness
• chest tightness

Your doctor may prescribe using your inhaler before exercise if it is likely to trigger your asthma symptoms. They will tell you how you should use your inhaler but usually, you’ll need to take 1 to 2 puffs 15 minutes before you exercise.

How often should I take salbutamol?

Your doctor will tell you how many salbutamol puffs you need to take.

Your salbutamol inhaler should only be used when required, this will be determined by what you require it for.

• For the prevention of an asthma attack, take 1 to 2 puffs
• For the prevention of an asthma attack, take 2 puffs 15 minutes before you start any physical activity or exercise

You can take up to 8 puffs of your salbutamol inhaler in 24 hours. If you feel you need more than this, you should seek urgent medical advice as this means your asthma is not controlled and you may be at risk of having a more severe asthma attack.

How long do I need to take salbutamol?

Many people use salbutamol for many years. Over time, you may see an improvement in your symptoms and not need to take it as often, but always carry your inhaler with you just in case you suddenly experience an asthma attack.

How long will salbutamol last?

The effects of salbutamol will last for up to 5 hours. If it doesn’t give you relief for at least 3 hours, you must speak to your doctor as your asthma could be getting worse

Each inhaler provides 200 metered doses (200 puffs).

Salbutamol is a prescription-only medication, so you will need approval from a doctor before you can get a salbutamol inhaler. You can request a salbutamol inhaler online from Superdrug Online Doctor. Our doctors will assess if it is right for you before issuing a prescription.

Can I buy salbutamol online?

Yes, you can request salbutamol from Superdrug Online Doctor, a registered online doctor service. Simply:

• complete a short online health questionnaire
• order your treatment and make payment

Then:

• our doctors will review your questionnaire answers and order to see if it is suitable for you
• if approved, your order will be discreetly delivered to your address or will be made available for collection at your local Superdrug Pharmacy
• if your order isn’t approved, one of our doctors will contact you via your account with suitable alternative treatment options

Can I buy salbutamol over the counter?

No, because salbutamol is a prescription-only medication, you will not be able to buy it over the counter.

Can I get salbutamol on the NHS?

Salbutamol may be available on the NHS but you will need to make a face-to-face appointment with a doctor to get a prescription.

Like all medications, salbutamol may cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.

Common side effects:

• headache
• feeling shaky
• fast heartbeat
• irregular heart rhythm

Uncommon side effects:

• muscle cramps
• mouth and/or throat irritation

Rare side effects:

• low levels of potassium in your blood
• increase in the blood flow to your extremities

Very rare side effects:

• feeling restless or excitable
• changes to your sleep pattern

Side effects that can happen where the frequency is unknown:

• chest pain that stems from heart problems or diseases like angina.

If you experience the following severe allergic reaction side effects, stop taking salbutamol and call 999 straight away:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• collapse
• feeling faint
• itchy rash
• lightheadedness

If you feel that your medication is not working as normal or your symptoms worsen after taking salbutamol, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

How long do salbutamol side effects last for?

Side effects like a fast heartbeat or shaking should subside after 30 minutes to a few hours. If the side effects do not go away or you are struggling to manage them, contact your doctor as soon as possible. It may mean you need a different medication or an alternative dose.

What do I do if I get salbutamol side effects?

If you are struggling with any salbutamol side effects, even if they are not listed in the patient leaflet, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible.

You can also report any side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme.

Salbutamol may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use a salbutamol inhaler if you:

• are allergic to salbutamol sulphate or any other ingredients in the inhaler
• unexpectedly go into labour early

You should tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before you take salbutamol if you:

• have high blood pressure
• have an overactive thyroid gland
• have any history of heart problems such as angina, irregular or fast heartbeat
• have asthma bouts that make eating, speaking, or sleeping difficult with other symptoms like coughing, wheezing, feeling tight-chested, or having limited physical ability
• are taking any derivatives of xanthine such as theophylline or steroids to treat your asthma
• are taking any other medications including over-the-counter, herbal, or prescribed remedies

Salbutamol in pregnancy

Generally, salbutamol is safe to use during pregnancy, but you should let your doctor know If you think you are or may be pregnant before using salbutamol.

Salbutamol and breastfeeding

Salbutamol is safe to use if you are breastfeeding. It is important that you keep your asthma under control, so use your inhaler as normal when you need it.

Some salbutamol may pass into your breast milk, but it is likely to be a very small amount. It has been used by breastfeeding women without any side effects in babies.

Is salbutamol a steroid?

No, salbutamol is not a steroid, salbutamol is a bronchodilator which helps you to breathe easier by relaxing the airways. Steroids, like corticosteroids, are used to control and prevent asthma symptoms rather than relieve them when you get them.

Is salbutamol the same as salamol?

Yes, salbutamol and salamol are the same. They are both reliever inhalers that contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way. Salamol is a branded version of salbutamol.

What is the difference between salbutamol and Ventolin?

Both the salbutamol inhaler and Ventolin inhaler are the same in terms of the medication, dosage and how it works. The only difference is salbutamol is the generic version, whereas Ventolin is a branded version.

Does salbutamol clear mucus?

Research has shown that salbutamol can increase the clearance of mucus at high doses. This study was carried out in COPD patients although it’s likely to be the same for people with asthma as both COPD and asthma can cause excess mucus production. If you are producing a lot of mucus, speak to your doctor for advice.

Will salbutamol help a cough?

If your asthma or COPD symptoms include a cough, salbutamol will help to relieve it if it’s caused by tight, irritated airways. However, salbutamol is not generally prescribed for common bronchial infections.