Ventolin Inhaler

Price range: £8.49 through £24.99

Available as an Evohaler or Accuhaler
Reliever inhaler – use when required for asthma symptoms
Provides fast-acting relief
Cheaper alternative: Generic Salbutamol inhaler from £7.75

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Treatment: Asthma

SKU: 3382711000001107 Category: Asthma (treatment)

Buy Ventolin Inhalers Online UK

You can request to purchase Ventolin inhalers online through Reach Online Pharmacy, a UK-registered online pharmacy and doctor service. If your asthma is well controlled and you are already prescribed Ventolin (salbutamol), you can order a repeat supply online. Simply complete a quick online assessment and checkout. Our GMC-registered doctors will review your suitability for a repeat prescription. If approved, the prescription will be sent to our pharmacy team, who will dispense and dispatch your inhaler to your chosen UK address, with reliable delivery across the UK.

About Ventolin

Ventolin is the well-known blue reliever inhaler commonly used to treat asthma. It contains the quick-acting active ingredient Salbutamol Sulphate, which provides rapid relief from asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Ventolin Evohaler – contains 100 micrograms of Salbutamol in a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI).
Ventolin Accuhaler – contains 200 micrograms of Salbutamol in a disc-shaped dry powder inhaler.

Ventolin can also be used to prevent asthma symptoms if you know you will be exposed to a trigger, such as vigorous exercise. However, it is short-acting and primarily designed to relieve symptoms quickly during an asthma attack. For patients with frequent or chronic asthma, Ventolin is often used alongside a preventer inhaler (steroid inhaler) to provide long-term control of inflammation and symptoms.

Asthma Overview

Asthma is a common long-term condition that affects the respiratory system. It is caused by inflammation in the lungs, particularly in the smaller airways (bronchioles) and air sacs (alveoli). This inflammation can lead to narrowing of the airways, which results in a range of symptoms, including:

Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Coughing

In the UK, approximately 5.4 million people currently receive treatment for asthma. Although it is a chronic condition, symptoms can vary over time and may be influenced by external factors, known as triggers or allergens.

Common triggers include:

Pollen
Dust
Animal hair or dander
Changes in weather
Airborne pollutants

With proper treatment and management, asthma symptoms can usually be well controlled, allowing patients to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

How does Ventolin work?

Ventolin (salbutamol) acts directly in the lungs, the site of inflammation in asthma. When inhaled, it binds to beta-receptors in the airways (bronchioles). This causes the smooth muscles surrounding the airways to relax, widening them and making it easier to breathe.

Because the medicine is delivered straight to the lungs, relief begins quickly, with the full effect usually felt within 5 to 30 minutes. The effects generally last for 4 to 6 hours, helping to relieve asthma symptoms and restore normal breathing.

Inhaler Comparison

Ventolin is available through our online doctor service in two forms: the Evohaler and the Accuhaler.

Ventolin Evohaler – a “press and breathe” inhaler (pMDI). You press down on the inhaler to release a dose while breathing in at the same time. If you are unsure which inhaler you normally use, you can read our full guide on different inhaler types for step-by-step instructions.
Ventolin Accuhaler – contains Salbutamol as a fine dry powder, which is inhaled directly into the lungs. This inhaler is breath-activated, so you do not need to coordinate pressing and breathing. Accuhalers are often more suitable for people who may find aerosol inhalers difficult to use, for example due to a disability or reduced hand strength.

Dosing and using Ventolin Inhalers

It is important to discuss an asthma action plan with your doctor. This plan provides personalised instructions for what to do during an asthma attack, including the correct dosing. Doses may vary depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms.

Adults and Children Over 12 – Ventolin Evohaler

To relieve asthma symptoms: Inhale 1–2 puffs as needed, following your GP or nurse’s instructions. Do not exceed 8 puffs in 24 hours.
To prevent asthma symptoms: Inhale 2 puffs 10–15 minutes before exposure to a known trigger (e.g., exercise or allergens).
If you need your inhaler more frequently than this, contact your GP.

Adults and Children Over 12 – Ventolin Accuhaler

Inhale 1 dose up to 4 times a day when needed, or as directed by your GP or nurse.
Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.

Ventolin Summary

Category	Details
Dose	Inhale 1–2 doses by mouth, up to 4 times a day when required
Type of Medicine	Reliever inhaler
Mechanism	Relaxes the muscles in the lungs, opening the airways
Size	Evohaler – 200 doses Accuhaler – 60 doses
Strength	Evohaler – 100 µg per dose Accuhaler – 200 µg per dose
Active Ingredient	Salbutamol sulphate
Price	From £8.50
Side Effects	Can include headache, feeling shaky, increased heart rate

Ventolin Prices

Product	Price
Evohaler × 1	£8.50
Evohaler × 2	£15.50
Accuhaler × 1	£15.99
Accuhaler × 2	£24.99

Alternative Asthma Inhalers

There are a variety of asthma inhalers and medicines available, and the most suitable option depends on your individual needs. These are generally divided into:

Reliever inhalers – provide quick relief from asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
Preventer inhalers – taken daily to reduce inflammation and help prevent symptoms over time.

If your asthma symptoms are not adequately controlled with a reliever inhaler alone, speak to your doctor about whether a preventer inhaler may be appropriate. If you have difficulty using your inhaler, your GP or asthma nurse can review your technique or suggest an alternative device that may be easier to use.

Reliever inhalers available from our range:

Salamol Easi-Breathe
Salbutamol (Generic Ventolin)

Preventer inhalers available from our range:

Seretide (reliever/preventer)
Symbicort (reliever/preventer)
Fostair
Flixotide

Ventolin Side Effects

Possible Side Effects of Ventolin

Like all medicines, Ventolin may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. It is important to be aware of the potential reactions.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

Headache
Feeling shaky
Increased heart rate

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

Muscle cramps
Mouth or throat irritation

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

Low potassium levels in the blood
Increased blood flow to arms and legs (flushing)

If you experience any of these side effects and they are uncomfortable or distressing, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

⚠️ Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain

Can I buy Ventolin over the counter?

No, Ventolin is a prescription-only medicine (POM) and cannot be purchased over the counter in the UK. A doctor must prescribe it to ensure it is safe and suitable for you.

If you have not previously been diagnosed with asthma, it is important to book an appointment with your GP, who can assess your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis. Once prescribed, you can request repeat supplies of Ventolin through Reach Online Pharmacy’s online doctor service.

Can I buy Ventolin online?

Yes. If you have already been diagnosed with asthma and have been prescribed Ventolin, you can use our online service to request a repeat supply.

Our online supply is intended for patients whose asthma is well controlled. If you are finding it difficult to manage your asthma or your symptoms are not well controlled, you should continue to see your GP for repeat prescriptions and further management.

What is the difference between Ventolin and Salamol / Salbulatmol inhalers?

Ventolin is the original branded version of Salbutamol. However, both Ventolin and generic alternatives, such as Salamol or Salbutamol inhalers, contain the same active ingredient (Salbutamol) and work in the same way to relieve asthma symptoms.

The main differences between them are usually the brand name and price, rather than effectiveness.

How long does it take Ventolin to work?

After correctly using your Ventolin inhaler, you should notice immediate improvement in your asthma symptoms. The full effect is usually felt within 5 to 25 minutes.

How many puffs of Ventolin is safe?

When used correctly:

Take no more than 2 puffs at a time.
Do not exceed a maximum of 8 puffs in 24 hours (across up to 4 doses).

⚠️ If you find you need your inhaler more frequently than this, speak to your GP or pharmacist, as this may indicate that your asthma is not fully controlled and your treatment plan should be reviewed.

How do I use a Ventolin inhaler?

The correct technique for using Ventolin depends on the type of inhaler you have:

Evohaler – a “press and breathe” inhaler (pMDI) that requires you to press down on the canister while inhaling at the same time.
Accuhaler – a “breathe in” dry powder inhaler that releases the medicine automatically as you inhale, without the need to coordinate pressing and breathing.

For detailed instructions, always refer to the patient information leaflet included with your medicine, or read our guide to different inhaler types for step-by-step support.

How long should a Ventolin Inhaler last?

The length of time a Ventolin inhaler lasts depends on the severity of your asthma and how well your symptoms are controlled:

If your asthma is mild and well managed, a Ventolin inhaler may last several months.
If your asthma symptoms occur more frequently, your inhaler may only last four to five weeks.

⚠️ If you find you are using your inhaler more often than expected, speak to your GP or asthma nurse, as this may indicate that your asthma is not fully controlled.

Is Ventolin a steroid inhaler?

No, Ventolin is a reliever inhaler. It contains salbutamol, a short-acting medicine that quickly relaxes the muscles in the airways, providing rapid relief from asthma symptoms.

In contrast, steroid inhalers are known as preventer inhalers. They contain corticosteroids that work over the long term to reduce inflammation in the lungs and help prevent asthma symptoms from occurring.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Warnings and Precautions

As with all medicines, Ventolin may not be suitable for everyone. It is important to discuss your options with your doctor if you fall into any of the following groups.

People who may not be suitable for Ventolin

Individuals with allergies to any of the ingredients in the inhaler
People with lactose intolerance (Accuhaler only)

Important considerations

Before using Ventolin, you should inform our doctors about any other medical conditions or medicines you are taking. Further discussion may be required if you have:

High blood pressure
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
A history of heart problems, such as angina or arrhythmia
Use of certain other asthma treatments
Use of medicines that may cause a fast or irregular heartbeat

Your doctor will review your medical history and help determine whether Ventolin is safe and suitable for you.

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