Salbutamol (Albuterol)
Brand names: Ventolin, ProAir, Salamol, Airomir
Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)
Salbutamol is the world's most widely used reliever inhaler for asthma and COPD. It rapidly opens narrowed airways within minutes and is the cornerstone of emergency asthma management.
Drug Class
Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA)
Category
Respiratory
Forms Available
Metered dose inhaler (MDI) — 100 mcg/puff, Dry powder inhaler (DPI)
How It Works
Salbutamol selectively binds to beta-2 adrenoceptors in bronchial smooth muscle, activating adenylyl cyclase and raising intracellular cAMP. This relaxes smooth muscle, dilating the airways within 3–5 minutes. The effect lasts 4–6 hours.
What It's Used For
- Acute bronchospasm relief in asthma — reliever therapy
- Acute COPD exacerbation
- Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (pre-dose before activity)
- Hyperkalemia — IV form used in hospital to temporarily lower potassium
Available Forms
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Tremor (fine shakiness of hands) — beta-2 receptor activation in muscle
- Palpitations and increased heart rate
- Headache
- Hypokalaemia (low potassium) — with frequent/high doses
Serious Side Effects
- Cardiac arrhythmia — with overdose or IV use
- Paradoxical bronchospasm (rare) — worsened wheeze; switch device if this occurs
Drug Interactions
- Beta-blockers — non-selective beta-blockers (propranolol) antagonise bronchodilation; avoid in asthma
- Theophylline — additive tachycardia and hypokalaemia risk
- Loop and thiazide diuretics — additive hypokalaemia at high SABA doses
When to Avoid
- No absolute contraindications for inhaled use in the correct population
- Caution with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and tachyarrhythmias
Patient Tips
- Salbutamol is a reliever, not a preventer — it treats symptoms but does not reduce underlying inflammation
- If you are using your reliever more than 2 days a week, you likely need a preventer inhaler too
- Shake the MDI before each use; rinse your mouth after use to reduce deposition
- Check your inhaler technique with a pharmacist or nurse — poor technique is very common
- Keep one inhaler at home and one with you; replace before it runs out
Reliever vs preventer: the critical distinction
Salbutamol (the blue inhaler) is a reliever — it opens airways quickly during symptoms or before exercise. It does not reduce the underlying airway inflammation that causes asthma.
A preventer inhaler (inhaled corticosteroid, usually brown, red, or purple) is taken daily regardless of symptoms to reduce inflammation and prevent attacks. Over-reliance on the blue inhaler without a preventer is associated with poorly controlled asthma and increased risk of severe attacks.
Asthma action plan
Every asthma patient should have a written action plan from their doctor outlining when to use the reliever, when to start oral steroids, and when to call emergency services.
Using more than 1 canister of reliever per month is a marker of poor asthma control and an independent risk factor for life-threatening attacks — discuss this with your doctor.
Medical disclaimer
This page is for educational reference only. Always follow the dosage and instructions given by your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change medicines without medical advice.
Reviewed 2026-06-01 · Looms Medical Team