How to use salbutamol Novolizer? A Comprehensive Guide

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies indicate that a significant number of patients misuse their inhalers, leading to suboptimal treatment. For effective relief, learning how to use salbutamol Novolizer correctly is crucial for managing asthma and other respiratory conditions effectively.

Quick Summary

This guide provides clear instructions on using the salbutamol Novolizer, covering preparation, inhalation technique, troubleshooting, cleaning, and comparing it to other inhalers for optimal use and effective medication delivery.

Key Points

Preparation is Key: To load a dose, press the button fully until the window turns green and you hear a double click. Do not hold the button during inhalation.
Listen for the Click: During inhalation, a distinct 'click' confirms that you have inhaled strongly enough for a dose to be delivered properly.
Check the Window: After inhaling, the control window should turn from green back to red, indicating the dose was properly delivered and registered by the dose counter.
Never Use Water: Clean the Novolizer and mouthpiece with a dry, lint-free cloth only, as water can damage the dry powder medication,.
Monitor Your Treatment: The integrated dose counter helps you keep track of remaining doses, and successful inhalations reinforce proper technique,.
Know Your Plan: If your symptoms don't improve after using the inhaler, follow your prescribed asthma action plan and seek immediate medical help if necessary.

Understanding the Salbutamol Novolizer

The Novolizer is a breath-activated, multidose dry powder inhaler (DPI) used to deliver salbutamol for managing conditions like asthma and COPD. Unlike metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) that require precise coordination between pressing a canister and inhaling, the Novolizer is triggered by your breath. This feature makes it easier to use correctly, especially for children and those with lower inspiratory flow, and helps ensure a consistent dose reaches your lungs. The device provides a triple-feedback system through visual indicators, an audible 'click,' and a taste sensation to confirm successful inhalation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Use

Before First Use: Inserting the Cartridge

Remove the Lid: Gently squeeze the ribbed surfaces on both sides of the main lid and pull it forwards and up.
Insert the Cartridge: Remove the new medication cartridge from its protective foil packaging and insert it into the device with the dose counter facing the mouthpiece,.
Replace the Lid: Put the main lid back on, pushing down until it snaps into place securely.

Daily Use: Taking a Dose

Preparation: Sit or stand upright and remove the small protective cap from the mouthpiece. Hold the Novolizer horizontally with the colored button facing straight up.
Exhale: Breathe out gently and completely, away from the inhaler mouthpiece.
Prime the Dose: Press the large colored button completely down until you hear a distinct double 'click.' A green indicator will appear in the window, confirming the device is ready,.
Inhale the Dose: Place your mouth firmly around the mouthpiece, ensuring a good seal with your lips. Inhale as quickly and deeply as possible through your mouth. During this inhalation, you should hear a loud 'click,' which is the signal that you have inhaled correctly.
Hold Your Breath: Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or for as long as is comfortable.
Exhale: Breathe out slowly and away from the inhaler.
Check the Window: After a correct inhalation, the control window will turn back to red. This confirms the dose was delivered successfully and the dose counter has registered it.
Repeat if Necessary: Follow your doctor's instructions regarding repeating doses.
Replace the Cap: Put the protective cap back on the mouthpiece to keep it clean and dry.

Important Considerations and Troubleshooting

What if I don't hear a 'click'?

If you don't hear the 'click' during inhalation, it means your breath wasn't strong enough to activate the device and you didn't receive a full dose. If this happens, simply repeat the inhalation step (starting from step 4 of 'Taking a Dose'). Continue inhaling quickly and deeply until you hear the click. If you are having persistent issues, consult your doctor or pharmacist to recheck your technique.

The window is still green after inhalation.

This indicates an incomplete dose. Take another strong, deep breath through the mouthpiece until the click is heard and the window turns red. If the window does not change after several attempts, consult your doctor.

When to seek urgent medical help

If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after using your salbutamol inhaler, or you experience serious side effects like irregular heartbeat or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention,.

Comparison Table: Novolizer vs. Standard MDI


Feature	Salbutamol Novolizer (DPI)	Standard Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)
Mechanism	Breath-activated dry powder.	Requires manual actuation (press and spray).
Coordination	Low coordination effort required; device is triggered by inhalation.	Requires precise coordination between pressing the canister and inhaling.
Feedback	Provides optical (window color), acoustic ('click'), and sensory (taste) confirmation of correct dose delivery.	Does not provide direct feedback; correct timing and technique are harder to judge.
Dose Counter	An accurate dose counter is reset only after a correct inhalation is performed, aiding compliance.	Many older MDIs do not have a dose counter, leading to uncertainty about remaining medication.
Inspiratory Flow	Low-to-medium airflow resistance makes it suitable for patients with weaker inspiratory flow.	Requires a specific inspiratory flow rate for optimal delivery, which can be challenging.
Environment	Propellant-free and environmentally friendly.	Contains propellants which are greenhouse gases.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for the Novolizer's performance. You should clean your inhaler regularly, ideally every time you replace the cartridge.

Remove the protective cap and the mouthpiece by twisting it counter-clockwise.
With the inhaler upside down, lift out the dispensing slide.
Gently tap out any remaining powder residue.
Wipe all disassembled parts with a soft, clean, dry, and lint-free cloth.
Important: Never use water or detergent to clean the Novolizer, as moisture can damage the dry powder.
Reassemble the device by inserting the dispensing slide, twisting the mouthpiece back into place, and replacing the cap.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While using the salbutamol Novolizer, be aware of possible side effects. Common side effects can include feeling shaky (tremor), headache, and a fast heartbeat. These often lessen with continued use. Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are taking, as interactions can occur. Always adhere to the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Conclusion

The salbutamol Novolizer is a highly effective and user-friendly dry powder inhaler, designed to ensure consistent and correct medication delivery. By following the simple preparation, inhalation, and maintenance steps, you can significantly improve the management of your respiratory symptoms. The device’s audible and visual feedback mechanisms provide reassurance that each dose has been successfully inhaled. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth and proper handling will ensure the Novolizer functions optimally throughout its lifespan, helping you breathe easier and manage your health effectively.

This information is for guidance only. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your medication and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will know if your Novolizer is working correctly by following the feedback system. After you press the dose button and inhale, you should hear a loud 'click', the control window should turn from green back to red, and you might notice a taste of the medication,.

If you don't hear a click during inhalation, repeat the process. Ensure you breathe out fully away from the inhaler, place your mouth firmly around the mouthpiece, and inhale as quickly and deeply as possible until you hear the click. If you have repeated difficulty, consult a healthcare professional,.

The Novolizer has an accurate dose counter that shows how many doses are remaining. This counter decreases after each correct inhalation. When the counter reaches 0, the cartridge is empty and needs to be replaced,.

To clean the Novolizer, disassemble the mouthpiece and dispensing slide and wipe all parts with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. It is crucial not to use water or detergent, as moisture can damage the dry powder medication.

If your symptoms do not get better, or they worsen, after using your rescue inhaler, you should follow your personal asthma action plan. In an emergency, or if you feel very short of breath, you should seek immediate medical help,.

While it's good practice for hygiene, rinsing your mouth is less critical for salbutamol (a reliever) than for steroid inhalers (preventers). Rinsing helps prevent thrush, which is not a common side effect of salbutamol,.

Common side effects of salbutamol can include tremors (shakiness, especially in the hands), headache, and a fast heartbeat. These effects often subside with continued use. If they are persistent or severe, consult your doctor,.