Salbutamol 100 mcg per dose: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Quick relief of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough in asthma; Relief of breathlessness in COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema).
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.26 to ₹0.85 per dose across 5 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / dose | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol Inhalation IP 100mcgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 200 dose | ₹51.57 | ₹0.26 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ventorlin Inhaler | Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 200 dose | ₹75.60 | ₹0.38 | 19 October 2026 |
| Asthavent Inhaler | Cipla Ltd | 200 dose | ₹96.32 | ₹0.48 | 19 October 2026 |
| Derihaler | Zydus Cadila | 200 dose | ₹100.41 | ₹0.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Asthalin Inhaler | Cipla Ltd | 200 dose | ₹169.88 | ₹0.85 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Quick relief of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and cough in asthma.
- Relief of breathlessness in COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema).
- Preventing exercise-induced asthma when used 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
- The 'rescue' or 'reliever' inhaler for an asthma attack, while the preventer inhaler is used daily.
How to take it
Shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, put the mouthpiece in your mouth, press the canister once while breathing in slowly and deeply, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds. If you need a second puff, wait a minute and repeat. The usual dose is one or two puffs when needed, up to every 4 to 6 hours; each puff gives 100 mcg. A spacer makes the dose more effective and is strongly recommended for children. Prime a new inhaler, or one not used for two weeks, by spraying a few puffs into the air. If you need the inhaler more than usual, more than a few times a week, or it is not giving relief, your asthma is not controlled – see your doctor rather than taking more puffs.
Side effects
Common
- Shakiness or trembling of the hands.
- Nervousness or restlessness.
- Headache.
- Faster heartbeat.
- Throat irritation or cough after a puff.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Wheezing or breathing that gets worse right after using the inhaler (paradoxical bronchospasm) – stop and get medical help.
- Fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain.
- Severe allergic reaction – rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat.
- Needing the inhaler more and more and it not helping – this is a sign of an asthma attack building up; seek urgent care.
Safety information
Alcohol
Alcohol does not directly interact with the inhaler, but it can worsen asthma in some people and adds to a racing heart. Keep it moderate.
Pregnancy
Salbutamol inhalers are widely used in pregnancy and while breastfeeding because uncontrolled asthma is more dangerous for the baby. Tell your doctor so your asthma plan can be reviewed.
Kidney problems
No dose change is needed for kidney disease with the inhaler. Tell your doctor if you are on dialysis or have low potassium.
Liver problems
Liver disease does not usually affect inhaled salbutamol. Tell your doctor about any liver problem.
Children
Used in children from around 4 years with a spacer, and younger under a doctor's direction. An adult should supervise the technique.
Missed dose
This is a when-needed inhaler, so there is no missed dose. If your doctor has set regular times, use it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due.
Interactions
- Beta blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, including timolol eye drops) – they block salbutamol and can trigger an asthma attack. Tell your doctor.
- Water pills (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) and steroid tablets – together they can lower potassium.
- Other bronchodilator inhalers (levosalbutamol, formoterol, salmeterol) – use as your doctor has planned, not in addition on your own.
- Digoxin – levels can change.
- Tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors, and cold medicines with pseudoephedrine – more palpitations and shakiness.
Frequently asked questions
How many puffs of Asthalin inhaler can I take in a day?
The usual dose is one or two puffs when needed, up to every 4 to 6 hours. If you are reaching for it more than a few times a week, or it stops working within hours, your asthma is not controlled and you need to see your doctor rather than taking more puffs.
Asthalin vs Seroflo – what is the difference?
Asthalin is a reliever: salbutamol opens the airways within minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours. Seroflo is a preventer containing a long-acting bronchodilator plus a steroid, used every day to stop attacks. Most people with asthma need both, and the reliever should not replace the preventer.
Is Asthalin inhaler safe in pregnancy?
Yes, salbutamol inhalers are considered safe and are commonly used in pregnancy. Poorly controlled asthma is riskier for the baby than the inhaler. Keep your doctor informed.
Is the salbutamol inhaler a steroid?
No. Salbutamol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the airway muscles. Steroid inhalers like budesonide or fluticasone are separate preventer medicines.
Why do my hands shake after using Asthalin?
Tremor and a faster heartbeat are the most common side effects of salbutamol and usually settle within an hour. If they are severe, or you have palpitations or chest pain, tell your doctor.
Should I use a spacer with my inhaler?
A spacer helps more of the medicine reach the lungs and less stick in the throat. It is strongly advised for children and for anyone who finds it hard to press and breathe in at the same time.
Can I use Asthalin inhaler for a cough or cold?
Only if the cough is due to asthma or wheezing diagnosed by a doctor. It does not treat a cold or infection, and it is a Schedule H medicine that needs a prescription.
How do I know when my inhaler is empty?
Most 200-dose inhalers do not have a counter, so note the date you start and count roughly how many puffs you have used. Shaking it is not a reliable test. Keep a spare if you rely on it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Albuterol (salbutamol) oral inhalation (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms