Current Shortage Status
Salbutamol (Salamol Easi-Breathe®) 100micrograms/dose breath actuated inhaler CFC free
medium DHSC MSNDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Salbutamol (Salamol Easi-Breathe®) 100micrograms/dose breath actuated inhaler CFC free • Salbutamol (Salamol E
⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.
Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose breath actuated inhalers CFC free
medium DHSC MSNThe Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for the following product: • Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose breath actuated inhalers CFC free • Salbutamol (Sal
⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.
Possible Alternatives
Your GP may consider the following alternatives (always consult before switching):
- terbutaline
- ipratropium bromide
What to Do If You're Affected
- Contact your pharmacy as soon as possible — don't wait until you run out
- Ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active
- Speak to your GP about prescribing an alternative
- Try other local pharmacies who may have different stock
- Sign up for MediWatch alerts to track this shortage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salbutamol in shortage in the UK in 2026?
Yes — as of 3 March 2026, there are 2 active shortage notifications for Salbutamol in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.
What is Salbutamol used for?
Salbutamol is commonly prescribed in the UK for relieving asthma symptoms and bronchospasm. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.
What should I do if I can't get Salbutamol from my pharmacy?
First, ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active — this may allow them to dispense an alternative without a new prescription. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.
What are the alternatives to Salbutamol?
Your GP may consider alternatives including terbutaline, ipratropium bromide. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before switching medications.
Active Shortage
Severity: medium
As of March 2026, Salbutamol has 2 active shortage notifications from official DHSC/NHS England data. No confirmed resolution date has been announced.
Source: DHSC Medicine Supply Notification · Issued: 2024-05-23
Affected Formulations
Salbutamol 2.5mg/2.5ml and 5mg/2.5ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials
DHSC MSN · medium · Issued: 2024-05-23
Salbutamol 2.5mg/2.5ml nebuliser liquid unit dose vials
DHSC MSN · medium · Issued: 2024-03-06
Official Alternatives & Guidance
- Alternative beta2-agonists for nebulisation and intravenous administration remain available, however, they cannot support an increase in demand.
Source: Official DHSC/NHS England alternative guidance
⚠️ Important: Other Medication Safety
Urgency: Do not stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, even if supply is disrupted.
What to do: Contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as you become aware of a shortage affecting your medication. The earlier you act, the more options you will have.
Tip: Phone ahead before visiting the pharmacy. Many pharmacies can check stock levels by phone and may be able to order your medication from their wholesaler.
Previous Shortage History
Notification
Source
Date Issued
Status
Salbutamol (Salamol Easi-Breathe®) 100micrograms/dose breath
DHSC MSN
2025-03-06
Resolved
Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose breath actuated inhalers CFC f
DHSC MSN
2025-07-04
Resolved
Data sourced from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and
NHS England Serious Shortage Protocols.
Last verified: March 2026. See our data sources and
editorial policy for full methodology.
Get free shortage alerts
As of March 2026, Salbutamol has 2 active shortage notifications from official DHSC/NHS England data. No confirmed resolution date has been announced.
Source: DHSC Medicine Supply Notification · Issued: 2024-05-23
Affected Formulations
Official Alternatives & Guidance
- Alternative beta2-agonists for nebulisation and intravenous administration remain available, however, they cannot support an increase in demand.
Source: Official DHSC/NHS England alternative guidance
⚠️ Important: Other Medication Safety
Urgency: Do not stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, even if supply is disrupted.
What to do: Contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as you become aware of a shortage affecting your medication. The earlier you act, the more options you will have.
Tip: Phone ahead before visiting the pharmacy. Many pharmacies can check stock levels by phone and may be able to order your medication from their wholesaler.
Previous Shortage History
| Notification | Source | Date Issued | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salbutamol (Salamol Easi-Breathe®) 100micrograms/dose breath | DHSC MSN | 2025-03-06 | Resolved |
| Salbutamol 100micrograms/dose breath actuated inhalers CFC f | DHSC MSN | 2025-07-04 | Resolved |
Data sourced from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and NHS England Serious Shortage Protocols. Last verified: March 2026. See our data sources and editorial policy for full methodology.
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Sign up free →Page last updated: 3 March 2026. Data checked daily.