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Short-Acting Beta-2 Agonist (SABA)

Salbutamol (Paediatric — Asthma/Wheeze)

Brand names: Ventolin, Salamol, Bricanyl (terbutaline — different drug)

Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist — the reliever inhaler — used for rapid relief of asthma and reversible airway obstruction, and by nebuliser in acute severe attacks.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

For oral inhalation only. ( 2 ) Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in adult and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older: 2 inhalations by oral inhalation every 4 to 6 hours. For some patients, 1 inhalation every 4 hours may be sufficient. ( 2.1 ) Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in adult and pediatric patients aged 4 years and older: 2 inhalations by oral inhalation 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. ( 2.2 ) Priming information: Prime Albuterol Sulfate HFA before using for the first time, when the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 weeks, or when the inhaler has been dropped. To prime Albuterol Sulfate HFA, release 4 sprays into the air away from the face, shaking …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-12-31. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It stimulates β2-adrenoceptors on airway smooth muscle, producing bronchodilation within minutes.

Prescribing in practice

  • Frequent or escalating reliever use signals poorly controlled asthma and the need to review the preventer and inhaler technique.
  • Reinforce technique; a spacer improves delivery, especially in children.
  • High or repeated doses cause tremor, tachycardia and hypokalaemia — monitor potassium in acute severe asthma.

Monitoring

In acute severe asthma monitor response, heart rate and potassium; in chronic use treat reliever frequency as a marker of control.

Counselling the patient

  • It works within minutes — seek urgent help if it is not working or you need it more often than usual.
  • Tremor or a faster heartbeat can occur and are not dangerous at usual doses.
  • Use a spacer if provided and check your technique.

Evidence & guidelines

Short-acting beta-2 agonists relieve symptoms but do not treat the underlying inflammation; over-reliance is a recognised risk marker (NICE NG80; BTS/SIGN).

Reference: BTS/SIGN Asthma Guidelines 2019; NICE NG80; Resuscitation Council UK Paediatric Guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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