Salbutamol (also called albuterol; commonly supplied as salbutamol sulfate)
Brand names (as verified)
Asthalin; Ventolin (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Inhaler
Strength
Metered-dose inhalers commonly deliver about 100 micrograms per actuation; verify the exact device and strength.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A short-acting bronchodilator used for relief or prevention of wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness caused by reversible airway narrowing, including asthma. Use should fit the patient’s prescribed asthma or COPD action plan.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use after a serious hypersensitivity reaction to salbutamol or an ingredient in the inhaler. Additional device and formulation restrictions apply.
Important precautions
Frequent need for reliever doses or poor symptom control may indicate worsening airway disease and requires medical review. Use the correct inhaler technique. Extra caution may be needed with heart disease, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism or low potassium.
Common side effects
Possible effects include tremor, nervousness, headache, muscle cramps and a fast heartbeat.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care for worsening breathing immediately after inhalation, chest pain, fainting, severe palpitations or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Important interactions
Beta-blockers may reduce bronchodilator effect or trigger bronchospasm. Other stimulants, some antidepressants, diuretics and medicines affecting heart rhythm or potassium can require monitoring.
Allergy considerations
Avoid after a serious reaction to salbutamol or any ingredient in the inhaler. Check device-specific ingredients if an allergy is known.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Asthma control during pregnancy is important. Do not stop a prescribed reliever without medical advice; discuss symptoms and inhaler use with the treating clinician.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Ask a clinician or pharmacist about product-specific use while breastfeeding, especially if high or repeated doses are needed.
Children and older adults
Children should use an age-appropriate device and spacer if recommended. Confirm correct technique and obtain medical review for frequent reliever use.
Storage
Keep the inhaler in its supplied packaging and follow device instructions on temperature, cleaning and expiry. Keep out of children’s reach and do not puncture or incinerate the canister.
Missed dose
A reliever inhaler is generally used when directed by the treatment plan rather than as a routine missed-dose medicine. Follow the prescribed schedule if a scheduled regimen is used.
Overdose
Excess use can cause marked tremor, rapid heartbeat, chest pain or low potassium. Seek urgent medical advice if excessive doses are used or symptoms occur.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
Medical Encyclopedia — Medical Encyclopediasource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
openFDA Drug Datasets — openFDA Drug Datasetssource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
Salbutamol (also called albuterol; commonly supplied as salbutamol sulfate)
Brand names (as verified)
Asthalin; Ventolin (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Inhaler
Strength
Metered-dose inhalers commonly deliver about 100 micrograms per actuation; verify the exact device and strength.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
A short-acting bronchodilator used for relief or prevention of wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness caused by reversible airway narrowing, including asthma. Use should fit the patient’s prescribed asthma or COPD action plan.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use after a serious hypersensitivity reaction to salbutamol or an ingredient in the inhaler. Additional device and formulation restrictions apply.
Important precautions
Frequent need for reliever doses or poor symptom control may indicate worsening airway disease and requires medical review. Use the correct inhaler technique. Extra caution may be needed with heart disease, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism or low potassium.
Common side effects
Possible effects include tremor, nervousness, headache, muscle cramps and a fast heartbeat.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care for worsening breathing immediately after inhalation, chest pain, fainting, severe palpitations or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Important interactions
Beta-blockers may reduce bronchodilator effect or trigger bronchospasm. Other stimulants, some antidepressants, diuretics and medicines affecting heart rhythm or potassium can require monitoring.
Allergy considerations
Avoid after a serious reaction to salbutamol or any ingredient in the inhaler. Check device-specific ingredients if an allergy is known.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Asthma control during pregnancy is important. Do not stop a prescribed reliever without medical advice; discuss symptoms and inhaler use with the treating clinician.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Ask a clinician or pharmacist about product-specific use while breastfeeding, especially if high or repeated doses are needed.
Children and older adults
Children should use an age-appropriate device and spacer if recommended. Confirm correct technique and obtain medical review for frequent reliever use.
Storage
Keep the inhaler in its supplied packaging and follow device instructions on temperature, cleaning and expiry. Keep out of children’s reach and do not puncture or incinerate the canister.
Missed dose
A reliever inhaler is generally used when directed by the treatment plan rather than as a routine missed-dose medicine. Follow the prescribed schedule if a scheduled regimen is used.
Overdose
Excess use can cause marked tremor, rapid heartbeat, chest pain or low potassium. Seek urgent medical advice if excessive doses are used or symptoms occur.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
References
Medical Encyclopedia — Medical Encyclopediasource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
openFDA Drug Datasets — openFDA Drug Datasetssource(Regulatory / approved product label (e.g. CDSCO))
