Salbutamol
Asthma attack: 5 mg nebulised (2.5 mg under 5 years) or 4–10 puffs via spacer. Also 10–20 mg nebulised for high potassium.
Common brands in Pakistan: Ventolin. Brand availability changes; check with your pharmacy.
On this page
Dose
| Indication | Dose |
|---|---|
| Acute asthma or COPD (adult) | 5 mg nebulised, repeat every 15–30 minutes or back-to-back if severe |
| Child 5 years and over | 2.5–5 mg nebulised |
| Child under 5 | 2.5 mg nebulised |
| Spacer (any age) | 2–10 puffs (100 micrograms each), 1 puff at a time with 5 breaths; repeat every 20 minutes |
| Hyperkalaemia | 10–20 mg nebulised |
Cautions
- Tremor, fast pulse, low potassium (monitor in severe asthma), high lactate.
- Use air-driven nebulisers in COPD with CO₂ retention (oxygen by nasal prongs alongside).
Frequently asked questions
How many puffs of salbutamol in an asthma attack?
Up to 10 puffs via a spacer, one at a time, repeated every 20 minutes as needed while seeking help.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.
For FCPS Part 1
Revising for FCPS Part 1? Salbutamol is covered in our textbook chapter Adrenergic drugs, with practice MCQs.