Asthalin 100: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Asthalin, Asthalin inhaler, Asthalin 100 mcg inhaler, Salbutamol 100 mcg inhaler, Salbutamol inhaler
Asthalin 100 is a reliever inhaler containing salbutamol, used to treat sudden wheezing, cough and breathlessness in asthma and some other lung conditions. It opens the airways, usually within a few minutes. It is a prescription medicine. It does not treat the swelling in the airways behind asthma, so it is not meant to be the only treatment. If you need it more often than usual, or it does not help, tell your doctor.
- Active ingredient
- Salbutamol 100 mcg per puff
- Type of medicine
- Bronchodilators
- Used for
- Asthma
- Starts working in
- Usually within a few minutes
- Effect lasts
- A few hours; follow your doctor's advice on how often it can be used
- With or without food
- Not applicable; it is an inhaler
- Alcohol
- No direct interaction is expected; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Generally continued when needed, because uncontrolled asthma is risky; tell your doctor
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Asthalin 100 used for?
- How does Asthalin 100 work?
- How to take Asthalin 100
- Side effects of Asthalin 100
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Asthalin 100
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Asthalin 100 used for?
Asthalin 100 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to relieve breathing symptoms caused by narrowed airways.
- Relieving wheezing, cough, chest tightness and breathlessness in asthma
- Relieving similar symptoms in some other long-term lung conditions, such as COPD, when a doctor judges it suitable
- Use before activities or exposures that bring on symptoms, when a doctor has advised it
How does Asthalin 100 work?
Salbutamol attaches to beta-2 receptors on the muscle around the airways. The muscle relaxes, the airways widen, and air moves more easily. Because it is breathed in, it acts directly in the lungs.
What happens in your body after you take it
You breathe in the puff
The inhaler releases a measured amount of salbutamol as a spray, which you breathe in through the mouth. Follow the pack leaflet and your doctor's instructions for the technique and any spacer.
It reaches the airways
The medicine lands on the lining of the airways in the lungs, close to the muscle that tightens during an attack.
It attaches to beta-2 receptors
Salbutamol attaches to beta-2 receptors on the airway muscle and switches on a relaxing signal.
The airway muscle relaxes
The airways widen, so wheeze eases and breathing becomes easier, usually within a few minutes.
The effect wears off
The body clears the medicine, and the effect fades after a few hours. If you need it again and again, or more than usual, contact your doctor.
How to take Asthalin 100
Use Asthalin 100 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides how many puffs and how often.
- It is a reliever, used when you have symptoms or before a known trigger, as your doctor has explained.
- Follow the pack leaflet and your doctor's instructions for how to use the inhaler, including shaking it and using a spacer if one is advised.
- Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse to check your inhaler technique regularly.
- Needing it more often than usual, or at night, can mean asthma is getting worse: contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
- If you also use a preventer (controller) inhaler, keep using it as prescribed. Do not stop it unless your doctor tells you to.
Side effects of Asthalin 100
Most people use salbutamol without serious problems. Some side effects are common and short-lived, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Feeling shaky
- A faster heartbeat that settles quickly
- Headache
- Nervousness
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Breathing or wheeze getting worse straight after a puff. Stop using it and get medical help immediately
- A fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat that does not settle, or chest pain
- Muscle weakness, cramps or an irregular heartbeat, which can be a sign of low potassium
- Severe dizziness or light-headedness
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before using Asthalin 100, or need extra care while using it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to salbutamol or any ingredient of the inhaler
- Breathing that gets worse straight after using it (stop and get medical help)
- If breathing is very difficult or the inhaler does not help, get emergency medical help immediately
- Heart problems, an overactive thyroid, diabetes or low potassium
- Allergy to salbutamol or any ingredient of the inhaler
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: asthma should stay well controlled; talk to your doctor
- Do not use it as a replacement for a prescribed preventer inhaler
- Keep the cap on when not in use, and have your technique checked regularly
Medicines and things that interact with Asthalin 100
Asthalin 100 can be used with most medicines, but a few combinations need a doctor's or pharmacist's review. Tell them about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- Beta blockers (used for heart conditions and blood pressure): they can weaken its effect
- Water tablets (diuretics), steroids and theophylline-type medicines: potassium can fall too low
- Digoxin: its blood level may change
- Some antidepressants: the heart effects of salbutamol may increase
- Other reliever inhalers or breathing medicines: ask before combining
If someone takes too much
Using too many puffs can cause shakiness, a fast or pounding heartbeat and headache. If someone has used much more than advised, or has chest pain, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital, and take the inhaler with you. Seek advice at once for a child.
Storage
Store as printed on the pack, away from heat and direct sunlight, with the cap on, and out of the reach of children. Do not puncture or burn the canister. Do not use after the expiry date.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine; salbutamol sulphate is listed in Schedule H of the Drugs Rules 1945. Single-ingredient salbutamol is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Asthalin 100 inhaler contains salbutamol only, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
Salbutamol 100 mcg per puff inhalers are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some other products contain salbutamol with additional medicines, so do not switch without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Asthalin and salbutamol are sold in other forms and strengths, and some products combine salbutamol with other medicines. The form and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Asthalin 100 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Salbutamol is a prescription medicine in India. Use it as your doctor has advised, and do not use it to replace other treatment your doctor has prescribed.
Is Asthalin a reliever or a preventer?
It is a reliever. It opens the airways within minutes but does not reduce airway swelling. Many people with asthma also use a steroid preventer. Do not stop the preventer because the reliever helps.
How quickly does Asthalin work?
Most people notice easier breathing within a few minutes. If it does not help, or breathing is getting worse, get medical help immediately instead of repeating it again and again.
What if I need Asthalin more often than usual?
Needing it more often than usual, or at night, can mean asthma is not well controlled. Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse so that treatment can be reviewed. Do not simply use more without advice.
Can I use Asthalin in pregnancy?
Salbutamol inhalers are generally continued in pregnancy because uncontrolled asthma is risky for mother and baby. Tell your doctor you are pregnant or planning a baby, and do not stop it unless advised.
Why does Asthalin make me shaky?
Shakiness, a faster heartbeat and headache are common, short-lived effects of salbutamol. They usually settle. Tell your doctor if they are troublesome, or if you have chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.
What is the difference between Asthalin and salbutamol?
Asthalin is a brand name, and salbutamol is the medicine inside it. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Salbutamol inhaler. NHS (UK)
- How and when to use salbutamol inhalers. NHS (UK)
- Who can and cannot use salbutamol inhalers. NHS (UK)
- Side effects of salbutamol inhalers. NHS (UK)
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while using salbutamol inhalers. NHS (UK)
- Using salbutamol inhalers with other medicines and herbal supplements. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- The Drugs Rules, 1945 (consolidated, September 2024 edition), Schedule H: prescription drugs. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)