Generic name: salbutamol
Brand names: Ventolin, Airomir, Asthalin, Asmatol, Azmasol, ... show all 8 brands SalAir, Salamol, Respigen and more
Dosage form: metered-dose aerosol inhalation (inhaler), inhalation powder (dry powder inhaler), solution for inhalation, oral syrup, oral tablet, intravenous (infusion) injection, intravenous (bolus) injection, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 4, 2023.

What is salbutamol?

Salbutamol (albuterol) is a medication used to relax and open up your airways. It is used to relieve wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator and reliever medication. It belongs to a class of medications known as short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. Salbutamol works by stimulating the beta-2 adrenoceptors in your bronchial muscles, which are the smooth muscles lining the two large tubes (bronchi) that carry air from your windpipe (trachea) to your lungs. This causes your bronchi to relax and dilate, widening your airway for a short period of about 4 to 6 hours and making it easier for you to breathe. It can also act on beta-2 adrenoceptors in your uterus (womb).

Branded and generic formulations of salbutamol are available worldwide. In many countries this medication is known by the generic name salbutamol, which is the generic name assigned using the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) system. In the US, however, salbutamol is known by the name albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin), which is the generic name assigned using the United States Adopted Names (USAN) system. Usually the INN and USAN names for a drug are the same.

Salbutamol became available in the UK in the late 1960s and in the US in the 1980s. Salbutamol and albuterol are both marketed under the brand name Ventolin.

What is salbutamol used for?

Salbutamol is used to relieve the symptoms of asthma or bronchospasm. Salbutamol is used to relieve symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing in some other chest diseases too, such as COPD.

Salbutamol can also be used to prevent asthma symptoms which occur with exercise or on exposure to an allergen, such as cat or dog fur, pollen or house dust.

Salbutamol injection is also used for the management of uncomplicated premature labour between 22 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Important information

If your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult after using salbutamol, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

If you need to use this medication more frequently than usual, this can be a sign that your breathing condition is getting worse. Follow your treatment action plan or contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Who should not use salbutamol?

Do not use salbutamol if you are:

• allergic to it or any of the ingredients in it
• you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or intend to become pregnant (unless agreed by your doctor)
• you are breast-feeding (unless agreed by your doctor)

What should I tell my doctor before using salbutamol?

Before you take salbutamol, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• are being treated for an overactive thyroid (thyrotoxicosis)
• are being treated for high blood pressure
• have a history of heart disease, irregular heart rhythm or angina
• have liver problems
• have kidney problems
• have a tumor near your kidney (a phaeochromocytoma)
• have low potassium levels in your blood
• have diabetes
• have you been told you have an aneurysm (a swelling or dilation of a blood vessel)
• are you about to have an operation requiring a general anaesthetic
• have had to stop taking an asthma medication in the past
• are taking any other medicines

How should I use salbutamol?

• Always take this medication exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to. You should check with them if you are not sure.
• Read the instructions for use that come with your medication about the right way to take it.
• Salbutamol aerosol inhalers are usually used in the following way:
  • 1 to 2 puffs are usually taken as needed to relieve symptoms
  • 1 to 2 puffs may be taken about 15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger substance to prevent symptoms
  • Do not used more than 2 puffs every 4 hours up to a maximum of 4 times (up to 8 puffs) in 24 hours
  • If your inhaler does not relieve your symptoms for at least 3 hours then contact your healthcare provider
  • Aerosol salbutamol inhalers can by used with a spacer device if required
  • Regularly wash and dry your inhaler as instructed
• Salbutamol dry powder inhalers (accuhalers) are usually used in the following way:
  • 1 inhalation taken up to 4 times per day is usually taken as needed to relieve symptoms
  • 1 inhalation may be taken 10 to 15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger substance to prevent symptoms
  • Do not take more than 1 dose up to 4 times in 24 hours
  • Wipe the mouthpiece of the dry powder inhaler with a dry tissue to clean it
• Salbutamol oral syrup is usually used in the following way:
  • Shake the bottle before use
  • Use the oral syringe or measuring device that comes with your medication to measure out your prescribed dose
  • Can be swallowed with or without food
  • Is usually taken 3 to 4 times per day
• Salbutamol tablets are usually used in the following way:
  • Swallow tablets whole with water
  • Is usually taken 3 or 4 times per day
• Salbutamol respirator solution 5 mg/ml - for use with nebulizer:
  • Salbutamol respirator solution must only be used with a nebulizer. A nebulizer produces a fine mist which you breathe in through a face mask or a mouthpiece. Make sure that you know how to use it properly. If you have problems ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
  • Take care not to let the mist from the nebulizer get in your eyes.
  • Use your nebulizer in a well ventilated room as some of the mist will be released into the air and may be breathed in by others.
  • To use salbutamol nebulizer solution:
    • Prepare the nebulizer for filling
    • Measure out the prescribed amount of respirator solution and put it in the nebulizer bowl
    • Add the right amount of sterile normal saline solution (make sure your doctor has told you how much to use)
    • Put the top on the nebulizer bowl and shake it gently to mix the contents
    • Assemble the nebulizer and use it as directed
    • After use throw away any solution remaining in the nebulizer bowl. Clean your nebulizer in the recommended way
• Salbutamol injections are usually:
  • Administered by a healthcare professional
  • Given by injection into the fat layer just under the skin (subcutaneous), into a muscle (intramuscular), or slowly into a vein (intravenous)
  • The length of treatment and the number of doses you receive will depend on your symptoms and the condition you are being treated for, for example whether you're being treated for severe bronchospasm, status asthmaticus or preterm labor. Your healthcare provider will determine the correct dose and schedule for you.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of salbutamol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

What happens if I overdose?

If you take too much salbutamol, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 straight away even if you do not feel unwell or have symptoms of an overdose. An overdose of salbutamol can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors or feeling shaky, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure (convulsions), feeling light-headed or fainting.

Dosing information

The recommended dose of salbutamol depends on the age of the patient, condition being treated and the formulation being used.

A general guide to the recommended dosage is given below.

Asthma symptoms and bronchospasm

• Salbutamol inhaler 100 micrograms (mcg) per dose:
  • Adults: 1-2 puffs every 4 hours up to 4 times (8 puffs) in 24 hours to relieve symptoms. To prevent symptoms caused by exercise or other triggers, the recommended dose is 2 puffs 15 minutes before exposure.
  • Children: 1 puff (increased to 2 puffs if required) every 4 hours up to 4 times (8 puffs) in 24 hours to relieve symptoms. To prevent symptoms caused by exercise or other triggers, the recommended dose is 1 puff (increased to 2 puffs if required) 15 minutes before exposure.
• Salbutamol dry powder inhaler 200 mcg per dose:
  • Adults, adolescents aged 12 years and over and children 4 to 11 years of age: 1 inhalation up to 4 times per day to relieve symptoms. To prevent symptoms caused by exercise or other triggers, the recommended dose is 1 inhalation 10 to 15 minutes before exposure.
• Salbutamol oral syrup 2 mg/5 ml:
  • Adults (over 18 years old): The usual dose is 5 ml to 20 ml, up to 4 times a day.
  • Children over 12 years old: The usual dose is 5 ml to 10 ml, 3 or 4 times a day.
  • Children aged between 6 and 12 years: The usual dose is 5 ml, 3 or 4 times a day.
  • Children aged between 2 and 6 years: The usual dose is 2.5 ml to 5 ml, 3 or 4 times a day.
  • Elderly (over 65 years old): The usual dose is 5 ml, up to 3 times a day.
• Salbutamol tablets 2mg and 4mg:
  • Adults: The recommended dose is 4mg 3 or 4 times a day. Your doctor may increase this gradually up to a maximum of 8mg three or four times a day. Some patients may be treated successfully with 2mg three or four times a day.
  • Children over 12 years old: The recommended dose is 2 mg to 4 mg 3 or 4 times a day.
  • Children aged between 6 and 12 years: The recommended dose is 2 mg 3 or 4 times a day
  • Children aged between 2 and 6 years: The recommended dose is 1 to 2 mg 3 or 4 times a day.
  • Elderly or patients known to be sensitive to this product or other similar drugs: The recommended dose is initially 2 mg 3 or 4 times a day.
• Salbutamol respirator solution 5 mg/ml - for use with nebulizer:
  • Intermittent treatment - Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over: The usual dose is 0.5 ml to 1 ml of respirator solution (2.5 to 5 mg salbutamol). Some patients may require up to 2 ml (10 mg salbutamol).
  • Intermittent treatment - Children aged 18 months to 12 years: The usual dose is 0.5 ml to 1 ml (2.5 to 5 mg salbutamol) of Ventolin Respirator Solution.
  • Intermittent treatment may be given up to 4 times per day.
  • Continuous treatment: The usual dose is 1 to 2 mg of salbutamol per hour. This dose can be obtained by diluting 1 or 2 ml of respirator solution to 100 ml with sterile normal saline solution to produce a solution containing 50 or 100 micrograms/ml of salbutamol, and inhaling the mist from a suitable nebulizer.

Severe bronchospasm and status asthmaticus

• Salbutamol injection 500 micrograms/ml:
  • Adults: The recommended dose for subcutaneous or intramuscular injection is 500 micrograms (8 micrograms/kg bodyweight) and repeated every 4 hours as required.
• Salbutamol solution for infusion 5mg/5ml:
  • Adults: The recommended dose is 250 micrograms (4 micrograms/kg bodyweight) injected slowly. If necessary the dose may be repeated. 250 micrograms in 5 mL (50 micrograms/mL) is a suitably dilute preparation for slow intravenous injection.
    
    In status asthmaticus, infusion rates of 3 to 20 micrograms per minute are generally adequate but in patients with respiratory failure, higher dosage has been used with success. A starting dose of 5 micrograms per minute is recommended with appropriate adjustment in dosage according to patient response.

Preterm labor

• Salbutamol solution for infusion 5mg/5ml:
  • Infusion rates of 10-45 micrograms per minute are generally adequate to control uterine contractions but greater or lesser infusion rates may be required according to the strength and frequency of contractions.

See the full prescribing details for more information about salbutamol dosing.

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What are the side effects of salbutamol?

Serious side effects of salbutamol include:

• Allergic reactions. If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking this medication and see a doctor straight away. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, itchy rash, feeling faint and light headed (due to low blood pressure), and collapse.
  
  Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if:
  • you feel your heart is beating faster or stronger than usual (palpitations). This is usually harmless, and usually stops after you have used the medicine for a while
  • you may feel your heartbeat is uneven or it gives an extra beat
    Do not stop using this medicine unless told to do so.

Tell your doctor if you have any of the following side effects which may also happen with this medicine:

• Common side effects of salbutamol include:
  • feeling shaky
  • headache
  • muscle cramps
• Rare and very rare side effects of salbutamol include:
  • Your heart beats too fast, too slow or irregularly (cardiac arrhythmia)
  • A low level of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia)
  • Increased blood flow to your extremities (peripheral dilatation)
  • Changes in sleep patterns and changes in behavior, such as restlessness and excitability
  • Muscle tension
• The following side effects can also happen but the frequency of these are not known:
  • Chest pain, due to heart problems such as angina. Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if this occurs. Do not stop using this medicine unless told to do so.

Lactic acidosis has also been reported very rarely in patients receiving intravenous and nebulized salbutamol therapy for the treatment of acute asthma exacerbation.

Salbutamol injections and infusions have also uncommonly been associated with pulmonary edema.

These are not all of the possible side effects of salbutamol.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed below:

• Corticosteroids, such as beclometasone dipropionate for your asthma
• Diuretics or water tablets, such as furosemide
• Medicine to reduce blood pressure, such as atenolol or propranolol
• Medicines to control an irregular heart beat/rhythm (digoxin), or very fast pulse
• Tablets prescribed for your asthma to help your breathing, including xanthine derivatives (theophylline, aminophylline)
• Certain medications for depression including moclobemide, phenelzine, amitriptyline, clomipramide or imipramine

Some general anaesthetics may interact with salbutamol to cause heart problems and decrease blood pressure. If you are having an operation, advise hospital staff that you are taking salbutamol.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. Your doctor will tell you whether or not you should take salbutamol during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding of planning to breastfeed. Salbutamol's use in people who are breastfeeding is not recommended unless the expected benefits outweigh any potential risk. It is not known whether salbutamol in breast milk has a harmful effect on the neonate.

Storage

• Store below 77-86°F (25-30°C) or as recommended.
• Protect inhalers from light, frost, heat and moisture.
• Do not freeze or refrigerate.
• The metal canister in aerosol inhalers is pressurized. Do not burn it or puncture it, even when it is empty. Do not expose it to temperatures higher than 122°F (50°C).
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.

What are the ingredients in salbutamol?

Active ingredient: salbutamol sulfate

Inactive ingredients:

Ventolin CFC-Free inhaler: non- CFC propellant HFA134a also known as norflurane or 1,1,1,2- tetrafluoroethane.

Ventolin Accuhaler (dry powder inhaler): lactose (contains milk protein).

Ventolin oral syrup: sodium citrate, citric acid monohydrate, hypromellose, sodium benzoate, saccharin sodium, sodium chloride, orange flavoring and water.

Ventolin tablets 2 mg and 4 mg: maize starch, lactose monohydrate, dispersed pink (erythrosine (E127), carmoisine (E122), titanium dioxide (E171)), sodium starch glycollate, talc, magnesium stearate.

Ventolin respirator solution: water, benzalkonium chloride and sulfuric acid.

Ventolin injection and solution for IV infusion: sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, dilute sulphuric acid, water for injection.

Inactive ingredients may vary depending on the brand or generic version and formulation of salbutamol you take. Check the product label for the version you take for a full list of ingredients.

Salbutamol is manufactured under the brand name Ventolin by GlaxoSmithKline. Other companies also make branded and generic versions of Salbutamol.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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