Patient Care

Salbutamol Tablets 

2026/07/07
What is this medication for?
Salbutamol is used to manage breathing problems caused by asthma. It helps to relieve chest tightness, breathlessness, wheezing and cough by relaxing the airways of the lungs, making it easier for one to breathe. 
How should I take/use this medication?
This medication is used as and when needed to relieve breathlessness.

If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose or take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Please inform your doctor if you need to use it more often than instructed. 
What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

  • You are allergic to this medication or any other ingredients of this medication.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications, and herbal remedies.
  • You have any of the following medical conditions:
    • Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
    • High blood pressure
    • Heart conditions such as chest pain, heart failure or irregular heartbeat
    • Hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormone production)
What are some common side-effects of this medication?
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Uncontrolled shaking (tremors)
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty in sleeping

These effects usually wear off in a few hours. Inform your doctor if the side effects become severe and bothersome. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

In very rare cases, some patients might experience the following: 

  • Irregular heartbeat, where your heartbeat is uneven or has an extra beat 

Inform your doctor if the side effects become persistent or severe

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. 
How should I throw away this medication safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. 

Disclaimer:

  • Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
  • If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately.
  • The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

Back to 'Medications' >

1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Singapore 119228
Last updated on
Best viewed with Chrome 79.0, Edge 112.0, Firefox 61.0, Safari 11
National University Health System
  • National University Hospital
  • Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • Alexandra Hospital
  • Tengah General and Community Hospital
  • Jurong Community Hospital
  • National University Polyclinics
  • Jurong Medical Centre
  • National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
  • National University Heart Centre, Singapore
  • National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore
  • NUHS Diagnostics
  • NUHS Pharmacy
  • NUHS Regional Health System Office
  • NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • NUS Faculty of Dentistry
  • NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
Back to Top