Salbutamol Inhaler
NHS 25 March 2026
What is Salbutamol?
Salbutamol (also known by the brand name Ventolin) is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA). It is used as a reliever inhaler to quickly relieve breathlessness and wheezing in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The inhaler is usually blue.
How It Works
Salbutamol relaxes the muscles in the walls of the small airways in the lungs, allowing them to open up and making it easier to breathe. It starts working within a few minutes and lasts for 4-6 hours.
How to Use Your Inhaler
- Remove the cap and shake the inhaler well
- Breathe out gently
- Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips around it
- Start to breathe in slowly and deeply, then press down on the canister
- Continue breathing in slowly after pressing and hold your breath for 10 seconds
- Breathe out slowly
Using a spacer device can make the inhaler more effective, especially for children and older people.
When to Use It
- When you have symptoms — breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness
- Before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma
- During an asthma attack
Important Information
- If you are using your reliever inhaler 3 or more times a week, your asthma is not well controlled — speak to your GP
- Never stop your preventer inhaler even if you feel well
- In a severe asthma attack — take up to 10 puffs and call 999