How does salbutamol work?
Salbutamol is a type of medicine called a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe.
When will I feel better?
When you have a puff of your salbutamol inhaler it works almost straight away to make your breathing easier. It carries on working for 4 to 6 hours.
Are there any long-term side effects?
There's no evidence that salbutamol does any lasting damage to your body even if you use it for many years.
Are there other inhalers?
Salbutamol is a type of medicine called a bronchodilator.
Almost everyone who has asthma or COPD is prescribed a bronchodilator inhaler, also called a reliever inhaler, to help their breathing.
There are 2 main bronchodilators that are used as reliever inhalers:
- salbutamol
- terbutaline
Salbutamol and terbutaline work as well as each other. However, the inhalers may look different.
If you have difficulty using a salbutamol inhaler talk to your doctor. Switching to a terbutaline inhaler may be an option for you.
In most cases, you will also be given a preventer inhaler to help stop you getting symptoms. Use this every day.
Do I need to keep a salbutamol diary?
It's a good idea to keep a diary of how often you need to use your salbutamol inhaler. That way you can discuss how it's helping your asthma or COPD with your doctor or nurse.
Keeping a diary will also help you know when to order a replacement inhaler. Some inhalers contain a fixed number of 200 doses and it's not always obvious when they're empty.
Will it affect my contraception?
Salbutamol does not affect any type of contraception including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Salbutamol can make you feel dizzy or shaky. If this happens, do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while using salbutamol. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while using a salbutamol inhaler?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with salbutamol.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while using a salbutamol inhaler.
Do salbutamol inhalers cause climate change?
Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs), also known as puffers, contain hydrofluorocarbon propellants which act as powerful greenhouse gases that are a lot more damaging than carbon dioxide.
Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) do not use propellants and so are less likely to contribute to climate change.
One way to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce the use of pMDIs. You might be asked if you would consider switching your inhaler to one that is less damaging to the environment if your doctor or asthma nurse think that is safe for you.
If you do change your device, always make sure you can use it properly by checking with your nurse or pharmacist.
Find out more from Asthma and Lung UK about changing to a lower-carbon inhaler