Salbutamol
Also sold as: Ventolin, Asthalin
Prescription neededAsthma and breathing
Comes as:InhalerNebuliserTabletSyrup
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose (inhaler): 1 to 2 puffs (100 to 200 micrograms) when needed for wheeze or breathlessness, up to 4 times a day. If you need it more often, see your doctor. Nebuliser doses are set by your doctor.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- shaking of hands
- fast heartbeat
- headache
- muscle cramps
- nervousness
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- worsening wheeze right after use
- low potassium (muscle weakness)
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Heart disease or irregular heartbeat (use with caution)
- Overactive thyroid (use with caution)
- Diabetes (can raise blood sugar)
- If the inhaler gives less relief than usual, get medical help — your asthma may be getting worse
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Propranolol
Non-selective beta blockers block the effect of salbutamol and can trigger severe bronchospasm in asthma.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Furosemide
Both can lower potassium; levels should be checked with regular high doses.
- Theophylline
Together they increase the risk of low potassium and fast heartbeat.
- Timolol
Timolol can block the effect of salbutamol and worsen asthma.