What is the Salbutamol inhaler?

The Salbutamol inhaler is used by people who suffer from asthma to relieve the symptoms of their condition. It works by dilating the airways of the lungs to relieve and prevent asthma symptoms brought on by usual asthma triggers. These triggers can include exercise, dust, pollen, dogs, cats, cold temperatures (find out more about asthma in winter) and cigarette smoke. Some patients can have more specific triggers that can set off their asthma symptoms.

How should I used my Salbutamol inhaler?

Before using your inhaler, it is important to breathe as slowly as possible. Following this, follow the steps below.

How to use your inhaler

Stand or sit upright
Remove the inhaler mouthpiece cover, gently squeezing the sides with your thumb and forefinger to pull apart
Shake the inhaler four/five times
Hold the inhaler upright, with the thumb on the base below the mouthpiece
Breathe out as far as comfortable
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth and close your lips around it
Breathe in through your mouth into your air passages and then press down on the top of the canister (whilst still breathing in steadily and deeply
Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth

If you need to take more puffs of salbutamol, wait about a minute and a half, and always replace the mouthpiece cover following use. You should then start to breathe more easily afterwards.

Young users may need help to operate the inhaler. Weak handed users may find it easier to hold the inhaler with both hands.

If you would like to know more about using your inhaler properly, Asthma UK provides more information on how to use your inhaler.

What medication is in a Salbutamol inhaler?

The medication in this inhaler is in a class of drugs called bronchodilators. This helps to relax muscles in the lungs and widen airways. This is often used to treat long term conditions such as asthma.

How long does it last?

The effects may last between 3-5 hours but will depend on the individual.

How often can I use an inhaler?

You should only use this inhaler if you are having symptoms such as wheezing and breathlessness. This may be triggered by things such as exercise or allergies, though sometimes there will not be an obvious cause which is why you should always keep an inhaler on you.

Side effects of Salbutamol inhaler?

Using a Salbutamol inhaler has side effects, below are a few of the common side effects:

Feeling shaky
Headache
Feeling anxious
Irritation to the mouth and throat

For a full list of side effects, please read the online Patient Information Leaflet.

Call a doctor straight away if you get:

muscle pain/weakness, muscle cramps, or an abnormal heartbeat
dizziness or unconsciousness
chest pain
a very bad headache

Can I take too much?

It is possible to overdose, you should keep an eye out for the following symptoms as it can be deadly:

dry mouth
tremors
chest pain
increased heartbeats
nausea
generally feeling ill
seizures
dizziness or fainting

Does this Interact with alcohol or food?

It is fine to consume moderate amounts of alcohol when using a Salbutamol Inhaler. There are no known food types that interact with this course of treatment.

Some food can worsen the side effects experienced whilst using the inhaler. For instance, too many caffeine-containing drinks can cause tremors. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about this.

Does the Salbutamol inhaler interact with any other drugs?

You should not use a Salbutamol inhaler if you are on a course of treatment to regulate your heartbeat, or if you are using any other reliever medications for asthma.

Is there any reason why I would not be able to take the Salbutamol inhaler?

If you a pregnant or trying to get pregnant speak to your GP before starting this course of treatment. Consult your doctor before using the inhaler if you have any heart problems, you can also speak to your pharmacist or nurse if you have any questions about your asthma.

Why should I use the Salbutamol inhaler?

If you buy a Salbutamol inhaler it will work by opening the airways and therefore effectively reduces coughing, wheezing and tight chests. Asthma attacks can be dangerous or even life-threatening, therefore it is important you use your inhalers as they are prescribed.

What's the difference between a standard Salbutamol inhaler and Ventolin?

Ventolin inhaler contains salbutamol and is used to treat asthma, acting as a fast-acting bronchodilator to help your airways stay open and relieve chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. The type of inhaler you get will depend on what you are prescribed.

Standard Salbutamol inhalers usually come as the Salamol inhaler. These contain the same active ingredient as a Ventolin Evohaler. It is just a cheaper brand of salbutamol inhaler but works in the same way.

You can buy both inhalers and compare the price on the e-Surgery Ventolin inhaler page.

Can I buy a Salbutamol inhaler online?

Yes, you can legally buy inhalers online from registered prescribers such as e-Surgery.

Always make sure you check for the green GPhC logo anytime you buy Salbutamol inhalers online or other medicines.

You can use the GPhC website to check if a pharmacy is registered. This ensures that when you buy Salbutamol inhalers online they are genuine.

How do you clean a Salbutamol inhaler?

Please read the online Patient Information Leaflet for directions on storage and cleaning of your inhaler. These leaflets also give you instructional information about how to use them, side effects and cautions, and a cleaning guide for your inhaler. The cleaning guide is typically found under the How to Use section in your leaflet. It’s important to read this as it will give you the most specific information available about how to keep your inhaler clean.

How to clean a Salbutamol inhaler:

Take out the metal canister from the blue plastic inhaler casing and remove the mouthpiece cover.
Clean the blue plastic Salbutamol inhaler casing thoroughly under warm running water. DO NOT: Let the metal canister come into contact with water.
Dry the blue plastic inhaler casing thoroughly, outside and inside.
Place the metal canister back into the blue plastic Salbutamol casing.
Test the blue Salbutamol inhaler now by releasing a puff into the air.
Put the mouthpiece cover back on.

Where can I find out more information about the Salbutamol inhaler online?

Please read the online Patient Information Leaflet, it has a lot of useful information about your inhaler. If you have any more questions regarding your inhaler don’t hesitate to use our completely free Ask-a-Pharmacist service. We’re always here to help!

If I buy Salbutamol inhalers online, how much will they cost?

If you choose to buy your Salbutamol inhaler online with e-Surgery prices start from 7.95. This includes the cost of a private prescription.

If I buy Salbutamol inhalers online, how will they be delivered?

e-Surgery uses Royal Mail delivery with choices starting from; Royal Mail 48 tracked delivery, Royal Mail tracked 24 and Royal Mail 1pm special delivery (discover more about e-Surgery delivery).When you buy inhalers online they will arrive in discreet, recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice. Find out to recycle packaging from e-Surgery.