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.

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.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways