Salamol

Salamol contains the active ingredient salbutamol, and helps to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The quick and direct action of the active ingredient means that Salamol can be used as a reliever inhaler to alleviate the symptoms associated with asthma attacks. It does this by stimulating muscle receptors in your lungs, causing your airways to relax and allowing you to breathe more freely.

The active ingredient, salbutamol, works on receptors in the lungs, called beta 2 receptors. After a dose, this active ingredient will stimulate these receptors, which will relax the airway muscles, allowing you to breathe with more ease.

What is the difference between the standard Salamol inhaler and the Easi-Breathe CFC-free version?

• Salamol inhaler has a metered dose inhaler that delivers the medicine as a fine spray or mist.
• Salamol Easi-Breathe is a 'breath actuated' inhaler. It automatically releases a dose as you breathe in through the mouthpiece.

The main benefit of Salamol is its effectiveness in providing quick relief from asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and chest tightness. Salamol comes in the form of a standard inhaler, as well as a CFC- free inhaler device, which allows quick treatment directly to the lungs. Salamol can also be taken prior to exercise, to prevent any asthma related symptoms.

The Salamol inhaler is used to relieve an asthma attack or symptoms of asthma when they occur. It should not be used as a preventer treatment. This medication is unsuitable if you are allergic to its active ingredient, salbutamol. If you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism or are pregnant or breastfeeding then this medication may be deemed unsuitable.

How you use the Salamol inhaler or Easi-breathe will depend on factors like the severity of your condition. It is important to speak to your doctor before you begin using your inhaler so you can be sure you are doing so properly. When used as a relief treatment, one puff of either type of Salamol inhaler should be sufficient, but this can be increased to two puffs if necessary. To prevent the onset of an attack, two puffs 10-15 minutes before you begin exercise or exposure to known triggers is recommended.

Make sure you do not exceed eight puffs a day when using either the CFC-free inhaler or the Easi-breathe inhaler.

Salamol contains 100mcg of the active ingredient salbutamol per spray. This has been specifically formulated to be effective whilst minimising possible side effects.

When you take a medication through an inhaler, the amounts of substances that enter the bloodstream are lower than if it's taken orally. This means that the medication won't affect other parts of the body.

Despite this, you must still consider potential side effects. They include nervous tension, headache, muscle cramps and low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia). If you are concerned about any of the side effects, you should always consult your doctor.

Fortunately side effects are quite uncommon and should alleviate after a while. If you do however continue to experience adverse effects or an allergic reaction to the medciation, ensure you contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler provides effective treatment for people who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, like most prescription medication, not everyone will be deemed suitable to use it. You should exercise caution if you:

• Have diabetes, heart disease or hypertension
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Have hypoxia (a disorder where the oxygen level in the blood is low and may cause breathlessness)
• Have a heart disease

Additionally there are certain medication that might interact in an adverse way with Salamol (salbutamol) therefore it is essential you mention any of these you may be taking in the online consultation. They include:

• High blood pressure medication e.g. beta-blockers
• Diuretics
• Heart disease medication (e.g. digoxin)
• Treatments for depression (from the monoamine oxidase inhibitor group)

It is essential that your asthma is well controlled, and ensuring you have your inhalers are usually recommended in these cases, but you should speak to your doctor for advice.

If you are unsure whether you are suitable for this medication, you should complete our free online consultation, which will be reviewed by a doctor. For further information about the side effects, interactions, and precautions associated with the Salamol inhaler and Salamol Easi-Breathe, you may also wish to read the Patient Information Leaflet, which is included with your medication.

Yes, both the Salamol Inhaler and Salamol Easi-Breathe are available to buy online at HealthExpress, provided that you are approved by one of our doctors. All you need to do is complete our free and confidential consultation. If our doctors consider Salamol to be suitable for you to purchase, you will be able to order this medication. Your prescription will be forwarded to our certified pharmacy, where it will be prepared for free next day delivery.