Salbutamol dosages and forms

Salbutamol inhalers, such as Salamol and Easyhaler, are used to relieve asthma symptoms. They should be used as and when needed.

One puff usually provides a dose of 100mcg of salbutamol. Although the Ventolin Accuhaler is available in a 200mcg dosage.

The usual directions for adults using a salbutamol inhaler is one or two puffs to be taken as needed, up to four times within 24 hours. However, this can depend on the inhaler being used and the directions from your doctor.

It’s important to use the correct inhaler technique for your inhaler so that your lungs receive the optimum amount of active ingredient. Your inhaler technique should be reviewed every so often to check it’s as good as it can be.

Because Salbutamol is a reliever inhaler it needs to be with you at all times in case you need to put it into action. Your specific dosage and maximum daily dose should be included in your bespoke asthma action plan. If you exceed your max dose then you need to let your doctor know, as this can be an indication of poorly managed asthma.

Salbutamol nebuliser solution is usually used in a hospital setting. Adults can be prescribed a dose of 2.5mg to 5mg up to four times per day as required. However, up to 40mg can be given under strict medical supervision.

Salbutamol tablets can be a treatment option for some people with asthma but usually under specific circumstances. Some patients might find that tablets are easier to take than the salbutamol inhaler but they don't usually work as well in severe cases. In clinical studies, nebulised salbutamol has shown the greatest effect as a bronchodilator, but for less severe cases a powder inhaler and tablet are sufficient.

This method of treatment can cause side effects such as indigestion, palpitations or tremors, but your doctor should review your condition regularly and help with issues like these.

The average dose for adults is 4mg to be taken three to four times a day. If you don’t experience any relief at this dosage then the dose might need to be gradually increased up to 8mg. It’s also possible for some patients to find that their symptoms are controlled with a 2mg dose taken three or four times daily. Elderly asthmatics may be more sensitive to medication, so they usually start with 2mg three or four times per day.

The dosage for children can depend on their age, however, it isn't recommended for children under 2 years old to take this tablet.

• Children between 2 and 6 years old should take 1 - 2mg three to four times a day.
• Children between 6 and 12 years old should take 2 mg
• Children over 12 years old can take 2 - 4 mg.

Salbutamol syrup is a less common asthma treatment. It tends to be prescribed to those who are unable to use an inhaler device and isn’t recommended in the UK by asthma specialists, however it is still used sometimes in other countries.

The average dose for an adult is 4mg, to be taken as two 5 ml spoonfuls three or four times per day. This can be increased to 8mg, to be taken as four 5 ml spoonfuls three or four times per day.

Elderly patients will usually start with 2mg to be taken as one 5 ml spoonful three or four times per day.

When it comes to children, much like Salbutamol tablets, the Salbutamol syrup dosage can vary depending on the child’s age:

• Children between 2 and 6 years old usually start with 1mg as a 2.5 ml spoonful, three times per day.
• Children between 6 and 12 years old usually start at 2 mg as a 5 ml spoonful three times per day.
• Children over 12 years old can start at 2mg as 5 ml spoonful three times per day. This can be increased to 4 mg.