Salbutamol is a safe and very effective medicine if you use it properly. It has very few side effects.
Common side effects of salbutamol
More than 1 in 100 people have these side effects after taking 1 or 2 puffs of their salbutamol inhaler. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling shaky
See if your asthma or COPD symptoms get better with just 1 puff of your inhaler rather than 2. If you find you need 2 puffs for symptom relief, be reassured that the shakiness will wear off after a short time.
Faster heartbeat that gets better quickly
Make sure you're not taking more than the prescribed dose. If you get a faster heartbeat regularly, talk to your doctor or nurse as you may need your treatment reviewed so that you do not need to use your salbutamol as often.
Headaches
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.
Talk to your doctor if the headaches do not go away or are severe.
These side effects should gradually improve as your body gets used to salbutamol. Speak to a doctor if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect still bothers you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
It happens rarely, but some people may have serious side effects when taking salbutamol.
Call a doctor or call 111 straight away if you get:
- muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an irregular or more noticeable heartbeat – this can be a sign of low potassium levels
- a fast, irregular heartbeat that does not get better
- very bad dizziness, or feeling lightheaded
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you have new or worsening breathlessness or chest pain
Serious allergic reaction
It happens rarely but it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to salbutamol.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of salbutamol. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.