Bronchodilator

Salbutamol (Albuterol)

Brand names: Ventolin, Salamol, Bricanyl

Salbutamol (albuterol) is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used as a reliever inhaler in asthma and COPD and for acute bronchospasm.

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 beta-2 adrenoceptors in airway smooth muscle, producing rapid bronchodilation.

Prescribing in practice

It relieves symptoms but does not treat the underlying inflammation — frequent or escalating use is a marker of poor control and a prompt to review and step up preventer therapy.
Tremor and palpitations are common; high or nebulised doses can cause hypokalaemia and tachycardia.
In acute severe asthma, high-dose use needs monitoring (including potassium).

Monitoring

Track reliever frequency as a marker of control; in acute high-dose use monitor heart rate and potassium.

Counselling the patient

This is your reliever — if you need it often (e.g. three or more times a week), get a review.
Check your inhaler technique and carry it for emergencies.

Evidence & guidelines

The standard reliever in asthma and COPD (BTS/SIGN, NICE); overuse is a recognised risk marker.

Reference: BTS/SIGN Asthma 2023; NICE; 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).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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