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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.

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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