Asthma Service (Salbutamol resupply)
Asthma Service
About salbutamol inhalers Brand names: Ventolin, Airomir, Asmalal, Easyhaler, Pulvinal, Salamol, Easi-Breathe, Salbulin
Salbutamol is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless.
It's a type of medicine called a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe.
Salbutamol comes in an inhaler. Salbutamol inhalers are usually blue.
It can also be given using a nebuliser, but this is usually only if you have severe asthma or COPD. A nebuliser is a machine that helps you breathe in your medicine as a mist, using a mask or a mouthpiece. You can use a nebuliser in hospital or you may be given one to manage your condition at home.
Salbutamol is only available on prescription.
Key facts
Salbutamol inhalers are safe and effective with few side effects if you use them as advised by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Salbutamol inhalers are called reliever inhalers because they give you quick relief from breathing problems when you need it. You'll also be given a preventer inhaler to help stop (prevent) symptoms and you'll use this every day.
Salbutamol comes in different types of inhaler. Check the instructions for the inhaler you're using, and check your technique with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
If you need to use your salbutamol inhaler more than twice a week, it could be a sign that your condition is not well controlled. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Salbutamol is OK to use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Make sure you know when your inhaler needs replacing, and have a spare one ready before it runs out. If it does not have a counter on the side, you may need to keep a record of how many doses you have left.
Who can and cannot use salbutamol inhalers Brand names: Ventolin, Airomir, Asmalal, Easyhaler, Pulvinal, Salamol, Easi-Breathe, Salbulin
Who can use salbutamol inhalers
Most adults and children of all ages can use salbutamol inhalers.
Most adults can use salbutamol in a nebuliser.
Children and young people aged under 18 years old can use salbutamol in a nebuliser only if it's with advice from a specialist. This is because children who need to use a nebuliser at home should be monitored by a specialist to make sure their condition is not getting worse.
Who may not be able to use salbutamol inhalers
Salbutamol is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, check with your doctor before starting to use salbutamol if you have:
ever had an allergic reaction to salbutamol or any other medicine
any heart problems
low levels of potassium in your blood
How and when to use salbutamol inhalersBrand names: Ventolin, Airomir, Asmalal, Easyhaler, Pulvinal, Salamol, Easi-Breathe, Salbulin
Only use your salbutamol inhaler when you need it. This may be when:
you notice symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest
you know that you're going to do an activity that can make you breathless, for example climbing stairs, sport or coming into contact with something you're allergic to
You should feel a difference to your breathing within a few minutes.
Dosage for salbutamol inhalers
The normal way to use your salbutamol inhaler (both adults and children) is 1 or 2 puffs when you need it. You can use it up to a maximum of 4 times in 24 hours, regardless of whether you have 1 puff or 2 puffs at a time.
Salbutamol is sometimes used to prevent breathing symptoms before they start. This could be before a trigger such as exercise or exposure to pets. To prevent symptoms, the normal dose is still 1 or 2 puffs at a time.
If you need to use your inhaler more than 4 times in 24 hours:
it may mean that your condition is getting worse and that you need different treatment
you're more likely to get side effects such as an increased heart rate, feeling shaky or nervous, and headaches
Contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if:
You need to use your salbutamol inhaler:
more than 4 times in 24 hours
3 or more days each week
in the middle of the night at least once a week
Please register with PharmaDoctor using the link after booking
https://pharmadoctor.co.uk/patient/location-referrer/11514/29
