Salbutamol
Salbutamol is a bronchodilator (reliever) found in 2 medicines sold in India, such as Asthalin Inhaler, Ventolin Inhaler. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
Also called: albuterol
What it is used for
Quickly opens the airways during asthma or wheezing.
How it works
A short-acting reliever. It relaxes the muscles around the airways within minutes, opening them up during asthma or COPD symptoms.
How to take it
Usually 1 or 2 puffs from an inhaler when needed, ideally through a spacer. If you need it more than 3 times a week your asthma is not well controlled; see your doctor.
Common side effects
- Shaky hands
- Fast heartbeat
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
Get medical help straight away if
- No relief after the usual dose, or you need it every 4 hours or more often
- Chest pain
- Breathing worse after using it
Be careful
Can cause shaking or a fast heartbeat; needing it often means asthma is poorly controlled.
Other medicines and interactions
Non-selective beta blockers (propranolol) can block it. High doses with diuretics, steroids or theophylline may lower potassium.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Inhaled salbutamol is safe to use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Brands of Salbutamol (2)
Common questions
What is Salbutamol used for?
Quickly opens the airways during asthma or wheezing.
How does Salbutamol work?
A short-acting reliever. It relaxes the muscles around the airways within minutes, opening them up during asthma or COPD symptoms.
How should I take Salbutamol?
Usually 1 or 2 puffs from an inhaler when needed, ideally through a spacer. If you need it more than 3 times a week your asthma is not well controlled; see your doctor.
What are the side effects of Salbutamol?
Common: Shaky hands, fast heartbeat, headache, muscle cramps. Get help straight away for: No relief after the usual dose, or you need it every 4 hours or more often, chest pain, breathing worse after using it.
Does Salbutamol interact with other medicines?
Non-selective beta blockers (propranolol) can block it. High doses with diuretics, steroids or theophylline may lower potassium.
Is Salbutamol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Inhaled salbutamol is safe to use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Does Salbutamol need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Salbutamol?
Asthalin Inhaler, Ventolin Inhaler.
Sources and further reading
- Salbutamol: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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