What is Salbutamol?
Salbutamol (also known as albuterol) is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist inhaled for treating asthma and other obstructive airway diseases. It works by stimulating beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, resulting in bronchodilation (airway widening). Salbutamol is the most commonly prescribed asthma rescue medication worldwide.
Research examines salbutamol's effects on athletic performance and metabolic functions. This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical advice.
Comparison
Two beta-2 agonists in the lexicon
Both activate the same receptor, as stated in the TPD lexicon. They differ mainly in duration. Tap a card to open its entry.
Simplified: salbutamol acts for a few hours, clenbuterol for more than a day according to the lexicon. 64
How it works
Salbutamol works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors with the following effects:
- Relaxation of airway smooth muscle
- Bronchodilation and improved airflow
- Increased cAMP synthesis in bronchial cells
- Inhibition of inflammatory mediator release from mast cells
- Stimulation of mucus clearance
- Minimal systemic absorption with low beta-1 effects
Where it acts
Where salbutamol acts
Tap a point or a card. Colour = beta-2 receptor, grey = observed.
- Airways
More cAMP, smooth muscle relaxes, airways widen4
ADRB2 - Heart
Palpitations and fast pulse in 5 percent each on tablets4
Observed in trials - Muscle
Tremor in 20 percent, muscle cramps in 3 percent4
Observed in trials - Nervous system
Nervousness in 20 percent, headache in 7 percent4
Observed in trials
Targets in the ChEMBL database6
Compound CHEMBL714: one recorded mechanism, agonist with direct binding to the human receptor.
Administration and dosing
Dosing
Dosing, titration and syringe
Loading the dosing information …
- Getting started and stepping up, drawn as a staircase
- Units on the U-100 syringe for every step
- How long one vial lasts
What the research shows
Clinical trials and research indicate that salbutamol:
- Effectively increases FEV1 (lung volume) in the short term
- Shows NO consistent performance gains in non-asthmatic athletes at WADA-permitted doses (600 mcg over 8 hours)
- Has no effects on sprint ability, endurance strength, or submaximal performance in controlled studies in healthy athletes
- Provides bronchospasm protection in asthmatic athletes
- Has minimal systemic absorption with inhalation and low bioavailability
- Effect is highly dependent on presence of asthma or airway hyperresponsiveness
Study results
What the trials measured
Interactive: switch tabs, tap points, show or hide arms. Arms are named relative to each other, no dosing advice.
Maximal oxygen uptake2
7 elite cyclists without asthma, inhaled in the usual amount 20 minutes before the test, double-blind, crossover
The small drop was not significant. Peak power, maximum heart rate, endurance sprint and Wingate test did not differ.
Research status
Where the research stands
Salbutamol has been approved since 1981. On ClinicalTrials.gov 951 trials list salbutamol or albuterol among their interventions, almost all on asthma and COPD. The studies from this entry are not registered there. Shown are two completed trials on salbutamol and sport. As of 26 Oct 2026. 5
- Preclinical Principle: activation of the beta-2 receptor
- Phase 1 no registered trial
- Phase 2 no registered trial
- Phase 3 no registered trial
- Approval since 1981
Show all 2 trials on a timelineHide timeline
NCT00876135 · 57 participants, started Dec 2008, primary endpoint reached May 2013.
Registry entry ↗ · Results not yet in PubMed
NCT02255630 · 20 participants, started Jan 2015, primary endpoint reached Nov 2015.
Registry entry ↗ · Results not yet in PubMed
Bar: start to primary endpoint (planned for running trials). Green = completed, blue = progress until 26 Oct 2026.
Side effects
Common local side effects (inhalation):
- Nervousness and tremor
- Headaches
- Tremor, especially of the hands
- Tachycardia and palpitations
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle tension
Most side effects are dose and time-dependent and reversible. Serious side effects are very rare with inhalation at therapeutic doses.
Tolerability
Side effects on tablets
How often side effects were reported on salbutamol tablets. The label table gives no placebo comparison.
| Event | Salbutamol tablets |
|---|---|
| Nervousness4 | 20% |
| Tremor4 | 20% |
| Headache4 | 7% |
| Palpitations4 | 5% |
| Fast pulse4 | 5% |
| Muscle cramps4 | 3% |
Dizziness, weakness and sleeplessness were 2 percent each. According to the label the complaints are usually transient.4
Storage
Salbutamol inhaler doses should be stored at room temperature, protected from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Temperature should be between 15-25 degrees Celsius. Metered dose inhalers should not be refrigerated and should NOT be frozen as this can damage the pressurized canister. The canister should be shaken regularly to ensure uniform mixture before use. The mouthpiece should be rinsed with warm water after each use.
