What is a Ventolin Accuhaler?
Ventolin inhalers are a reliever inhaler for asthma more known as the 'blue' inhaler. It contains the active ingredient Salbutamol. They provide quick relief from asthma attacks usually within 5 minutes but do not provide long term prevention.
Ventolin is the branded version of the Salamol inhaler, which has the same active ingredient. However some people prefer Ventolin, but as they are slightly more expensive the NHS is cutting back on the prescribing of these.
Ventolin is available as an accuhaler, it is also available in an evohaler.
Accuhalers deliver a dry powder and is activated upon breathing, some people find this easier as they don't need to time their breathing with the press of of their inhaler.
You cannot buy Ventolin accuhalers over the counter in the uk, but you can use our private prescription service, just fill in our free online consultation form which will then be reviewed by our prescriber. If deemed suitable for you a prescription will be generated and your inhaler will be posted to you.
How to buy Ventolin Accuhalers online
You can use our online prescription service to buy Ventolin Accuhalers online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK that offers free and next day delivery. Any website that claims to sell Ventolin without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How Ventolin works
Ventolin contains the active ingredient Salbutamol which is a short–acting beta–2–agonist. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe. They work directly on the airways and act very quickly, usually within 5 minutes, but they do not provide long term relief. Long term relief is provided by a preventer inhaler such as Clenil which reduce inflammation in the airways.
How to use a Ventolin Accuhaler
Ventolin Accuhaler is ONE puff to be inhaled up to four times a day when required. This is either before you do something that causes an attack such as exercise or exposure to an allergen, or when you are having an asthma attack.
You need to make sure you know how to correctly use your inhaler to get the most out of it, it can take a few tries but with practise it will get easier. An accuhaler does not need to be primed. Take the following steps to correctly use your inhaler:
- Check their are enough doses in the accuhaler
- Sit or stand up straight and tilt your chin up
- Hold the inhaler horizontally, make sure no powder falls out
- Place your thumb on the thumbgrip and push it away from you until you hear it click
- You will now see a level, slide this level away from you until you hear a click, the inhaler now contains a dose
- Breathe out until your lungs feel empty, making sure not to breathe into the inhaler
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and form a tight seal, do not bite down on the mouthpiece
- Breathe in quickly and deeply through the accuhaler until your lungs feel full.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as feels comfortable
- After use always close the cover
There is also a video you can watch here on correct inhaler technique.
For routine use, follow your prescription and do not exceed 4 inhalations in 24 hours unless your clinician or asthma action plan tells you otherwise.
Use your blue reliever alongside the steroid-containing asthma treatment prescribed for you. If you need it for symptoms more than twice a week, book an asthma review. Needing more than usual or getting less relief can mean your asthma is worsening.
If you are having an asthma attack: sit upright and follow your written asthma action plan. Call 999 if you are getting worse, your reliever is not helping, or you do not have an inhaler. Do not wait for an online order or a routine review.
Ventolin Accuhaler is licensed for adults and children aged 4 years and over. A clinician should check that the child can use this dry-powder device correctly and prescribe the appropriate dose.
Common Accuhaler inhaler technique mistakes
- Priming the inhaler, accuhalers do not need priming
- Not checking the mouthpiece for objects
- Not breathing in quickly and deeply enough
- Not breathing out before using it
- Not aiming the inhaler towards the throat
- Not forming a tight seal around the mouthpiece
- Using two puffs right after one another
- Breathing out too quickly after taking a puff
Accuhalers and spacers
You cannot use a spacer with a Ventolin accuhaler
Ventolin and pregnancy
Yes you can use your Ventolin accuhaler while pregnant and it is important to keep your asthma controlled, as uncontrolled asthma could lead to complications with your baby.
Ventolin and breastfeeding
Yes you can use your Ventolin accuhaler while breastfeeding.
Ventolin vs Steroid inhalers
Use your blue reliever alongside the steroid-containing asthma treatment prescribed for you. If you need it for symptoms more than twice a week, book an asthma review. Needing more than usual or getting less relief can mean your asthma is worsening.
Ventolin accuhaler side effects
As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects include:
- Shakes
- Faster heartbeat
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Unpleasant taste
- Throat irritation
- Cough
Your side effects should go away as you get used to Salbutamol. Use only the prescribed dose. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if side effects persist. If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet. Call 999 for chest pain or signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing.
Who cannot use a Ventolin accuhaler
Salbutamol is well tolerated and suitable for most people. However it may not be suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Salbutamol
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Ventolin accuhalers over the counter?
No you cannot buy Ventolin accuhalers over the counter in the uk, a private prescription is needed to buy Ventolin.
How many Ventolin accuhaler puffs can I take in one day?
Do not exceed more than four puffs of your Ventolin accuhaler in a 24 hour period, if you find you need more then four puffs in a single day, contact your doctor for an asthma review.
How quickly does Ventolin accuhaler work?
It should work pretty much straight away and the effect should last around 5 hours.
Can I use a spacer with my Ventolin accuhaler inhaler?
No you cannot use a spacer with a breath actuated or dry powder inhaler.
Are there any long term effects of using a Ventolin accuhaler?
A salbutamol inhaler may remain part of your treatment, but frequent use needs review. It relieves tight airways and does not treat the underlying inflammation. Keep using your prescribed steroid-containing treatment and arrange regular asthma reviews.
Is it safe to buy Ventolin accuhalers from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Will my Ventolin accuhaler expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medicine has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store my Ventolin accuhaler?
Your Ventolin accuhaler should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Storing the inhaler incorrectly could make it less effective.
Can I buy Ventolin accuhaler on amazon?
No you cannot buy Ventolin accuhalers on amazon in the uk, as they cannot prescribe one for you.
Can I drink alcohol while using a Ventolin accuhaler?
Yes it is safe to alcohol with using your Ventolin accuhaler.
Sources and further information
- MHRA: Salbutamol and terbutaline: risks from overuse in asthma and changes to prescribing guidelines (checked 8 September 2026)
- NHS: Asthma (checked 8 September 2026)
- Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
- Further product information
