Salbutamol is the reliever inhaler for asthma. It opens tight airways within minutes, but it does not treat the underlying inflammation that causes asthma.
- Generic name
- Salbutamol (albuterol)
- Active ingredient
- Salbutamol sulphate
- Common brands in India
- Asthalin, Ventorlin, Levolin (levosalbutamol), Albuterol (the American name for salbutamol)
- Available as
- Metered-dose inhaler, Rotacaps / dry powder inhaler, Nebuliser solution (the liquid used in a breathing machine), Syrup, Tablet
- Common strengths
- 100 mcg per puff (inhaler), 2.5 mg/2.5 mL (nebuliser)
- How it is sold
- Prescription only — needs a doctor's prescription
No dosage information on this page
The correct dose depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other medicines and medical history. Follow the dose your doctor prescribed, or the instructions on the pack. Never copy a dose from a website or from someone else's prescription.
What Salbutamol Inhaler is used for
- Quick relief of asthma symptoms — wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness
- Relief of symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Preventing symptoms brought on by exercise, when used shortly beforehand as advised
- Treatment of an asthma attack, alongside urgent medical help
How it works
Salbutamol relaxes the muscles that have tightened around your airways, widening them within about five minutes. Because it is breathed straight into the lungs, only a very small dose is needed — which is why an inhaler causes far fewer side effects than the same medicine as a tablet.
How to take Salbutamol Inhaler
- Shake the inhaler. Breathe out fully, then press and breathe in slowly and deeply at the same moment, and hold your breath for about ten seconds.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to watch your technique, and ask about a spacer — it gets far more of the medicine into the lungs, particularly for children and older adults.
- If more than one puff is prescribed, wait about half a minute between them.
- Rinse your mouth afterwards as advised.
- Check the dose counter, or that the inhaler is not empty, before you rely on it. Many people carry one that ran out weeks ago.
Precautions
- Keep your reliever inhaler with you. It is no use at home when you need it outside.
- Needing your reliever more than about twice a week means your asthma is not controlled. That calls for a treatment review, not simply more reliever.
- The reliever does not replace your daily preventer inhaler. They do different jobs.
Common side effects
Not everyone gets side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these are troublesome or do not settle.
- Shakiness or tremor, especially in the hands
- A faster heartbeat or palpitations
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- These are usually mild and pass within a short time
Important warnings
- If your reliever is not working during an attack, or wears off within an hour or two, get emergency help immediately — go to hospital or call 112.
- Being too breathless to finish a sentence, or blue lips or fingertips, is an emergency.
- Relying on the reliever while skipping the preventer is the commonest reason asthma gets dangerous. The reliever eases today's symptoms and does nothing about the inflammation underneath.
- Inhalers are not addictive or habit-forming. Avoiding them out of that fear leads to worse asthma and avoidable hospital visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are inhalers addictive?
No. This belief is widespread in India and causes real harm. Inhalers are not habit-forming. Needing a reliever more often is a sign the asthma is not well controlled, not a sign of dependence — and the answer is better preventer treatment, not avoiding inhalers.
How often can I use my reliever inhaler?
Follow the instruction your doctor gave you. As a general signal, needing it more than about twice a week means your asthma is not controlled and your treatment should be reviewed. During an attack, follow your action plan and seek urgent help if it is not working.
Do I still need my inhaler if I feel fine?
The reliever is used when you have symptoms, so it is normal not to need it on good days. The preventer is different — it must be taken every day even when you feel completely well, because it is what keeps you feeling well.
Is a spacer really necessary?
It is not compulsory, but it markedly improves how much medicine reaches the lungs rather than sticking in the mouth and throat. It is especially valuable for children, older adults, and anyone who finds it hard to coordinate pressing and breathing in together.
What are the side effects of salbutamol?
Shakiness or tremor in the hands, a faster heartbeat or palpitations, headache and muscle cramps. These are usually mild and pass quickly. Needing your reliever more than about twice a week is more important than the side effects — it means the asthma itself is not controlled.
What this costs, and what is free
Commonly available free at government hospitals and health and wellness centres when prescribed there.
Generic versions are sold at Jan Aushadhi Kendras at substantially lower prices than branded packs of the same medicine.
The same molecule is sold under many brand names at very different prices. Ask your doctor to write the generic name, and compare at a Jan Aushadhi Kendra — the saving on a medicine taken daily is often substantial over a year. You can look up any medicine's official ceiling price on NPPA's Pharma Sahi Daam app.
Source: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
Prices and scheme rules change. Confirm current details with the hospital or Kendra before you rely on them.
Looking for Salbutamol Inhaler locally?Aswini Medicals is a pharmacy that stocks everyday medicines and can advise on availability.
Visit Aswini Medicals