From October 1st, the Human Medicines (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014, will allow primary and secondary schools in England to obtain salbutamol inhalers for the treatment of acute asthma attacks in children.
The salbutamol pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) can be used in an emergency provided written parental consent has been given.
Salbutamol inhalers may be bought from pharmaceutical suppliers on the written request of the head teacher or principal (ideally on headed paper) stating the name of the school, the purpose for which the product is required and the total quantity. Schools should also obtain plastic spacers suitable for the age groups of their children.