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Salbutamol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways. Reliever inhalers ease coughing, wheezing and breathlessness in asthma and COPD.
Reliever or preventer?
Salbutamol gives quick relief when symptoms occur. Continue any prescribed preventer exactly as directed; salbutamol does not replace it. Follow your asthma action plan and have your inhaler technique checked.
How often is too often?
Needing your reliever more than twice a week suggests your condition may not be well controlled. Speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
What are the common side effects?
Feeling shaky, a faster heartbeat and headaches can occur. Do not use more than your prescribed dose, and tell your doctor if these happen regularly.
When should I get help?
Contact a doctor straight away for muscle pain or weakness, cramps, a fast or irregular heartbeat that does not improve, or very bad dizziness. Call your local emergency number (000 in Australia) for new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Have your inhaler technique checked, and keep track of doses so you do not run out.
Doses and formulations vary. Follow your prescriber, pharmacist and the leaflet supplied with your exact medicine. In Australia, call 000 for a medical emergency or the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for suspected poisoning or overdose. Outside Australia, use your local emergency and poison-information services.
Source: NHS: About salbutamol inhalers and NHS: Side effects of salbutamol inhalers. General education does not replace individual medical advice. Updated November 2026.
Read more in our Health Guides. For website or catalogue questions, contact support; urgent medical concerns need a healthcare service.