Salbutamol 100mcg: Cost, Savings, and How to Pay Less
Salbutamol inhalers are widely used reliever inhalers for asthma, but most asthma patients have a medical exemption or pay less OTC than via private prescription.
How much does Salbutamol 100mcg cost on the NHS?
Salbutamol 100mcg has a Drug Tariff price of approximately £1.50 for a 1-inhaler (CFC-free) pack — a full month's supply. Yet NHS patients in England pay a flat £9.90 per item. With 22m items dispensed in 2024/25, Salbutamol is one of the most prescribed drugs in England.
How much does Salbutamol 100mcg actually cost?
The NHS Drug Tariff lists the reimbursement price for Salbutamol 100mcg at approximately £1.50 per 1-inhaler (CFC-free) pack. This is the price the NHS pays pharmacies for the drug itself. The NHS prescription charge of £9.90 covers this drug cost plus dispensing fees, administration, and a contribution to NHS services — but for cheap generic drugs, it represents a significant markup.
Drug Tariff cost
£1.50
per pack
NHS charge
£9.90
560% markup
Our price
N/A
not available
Salbutamol has approximately 22m items dispensed annually in England (NHSBSA PCA 2024/25).
What is Salbutamol used for?
Salbutamol (Ventolin) is a short-acting beta-agonist reliever inhaler used for asthma and COPD. With over 22 million items dispensed annually, it is one of the most prescribed medications in England. The Drug Tariff price is approximately £1.50 per inhaler.
RepeatsDirect does not include salbutamol in our service for several reasons. First, many patients with asthma or COPD qualify for free NHS prescriptions through a medical exemption certificate. Second, salbutamol inhalers are available over the counter at pharmacies for around £6-9, without any prescription, making the comparison less straightforward.
If you have asthma or COPD and pay for prescriptions, please check whether you qualify for a medical exemption certificate.
Is Salbutamol available through RepeatsDirect?
Many asthma/COPD patients have a medical exemption. Salbutamol is also available OTC. Not viable for our model.