Reliever inhalerBronchodilator
Salbutamol
Inhaler, nebuliser solution or tablet
Quick Summary
Salbutamol relaxes the muscles around the airways within minutes.
Asthma symptoms
COPD
Exercise-induced symptoms
Medical Uses
Asthma symptoms: Quick relief of wheeze and breathlessness.
COPD: Symptom relief.
Exercise-induced symptoms: Before exercise if advised.
How it's taken
Use the inhaler as your asthma plan says. A spacer helps more medicine reach the lungs.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Shaky hands
Common.
Fast heartbeat
Palpitations.
Headache
Sometimes.
Interactions
Beta blockers
Such as propranolol can block its effect.
Critical Warnings
Needing it more often
Black Box Warning: Means asthma isn't controlled; see your doctor.
Not working
Black Box Warning: If it doesn't help during an attack, call 112.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Albuterol Oral Inhalation: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Salbutamol: inhaler to relieve asthma and breathlessness(opens in a new tab) · NHS