Salbutamol
Also known as: Ventolin, Salamol, Blue inhaler, Reliever inhaler
What it's for
Salbutamol opens up your airways when you have asthma or COPD. It is a reliever inhaler (usually blue) used when you feel breathless, wheezy, or have a tight chest.
Comes as: Inhaler (puffer), nebules, or tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 1 or 2 puffs when you need it.
- Shake the inhaler before each use.
- Wait 30 seconds between puffs if taking 2.
- If you need to use it more than 3 times a week, see your doctor - your asthma may not be well controlled.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Shaky hands (tremor)
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling nervous or restless
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- This is a reliever, not a preventer - it treats symptoms but does not prevent them
- If your symptoms are not improving, seek medical help
- Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid
- Check your inhaler technique with your pharmacist
Get medical help urgently if…
- Your inhaler is not helping your symptoms
- Your symptoms are getting worse despite treatment
- You are using your reliever inhaler more than usual
- You have difficulty speaking in full sentences due to breathlessness
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.