Salamol Easi-Breathe Inhaler

What is Salamol Easi-Breathe and what is it used for?

Salamol Easi-Breathe is a breath-actuated inhaler, which means that the medicine is released automatically. The active ingredient, salbutamol, provides effective short-term relief from the symptoms of asthma. Salbutamol is also effective at preventing asthma symptoms from occurring after exercise.

Salamol Easi-Breathe inhalers are fast-acting and long-lasting. After administration, breathing difficulties should ease within five minutes, with the effects lasting for up to six hours. This may be preferable to other standard inhalers, which require that you correctly time your inhalation with manual activation of the device.

Salamol Easi-Breathe is manufactured by Teva UK and available on prescription from adults over the age of 18 years from The Independent Pharmacy in 200 metered-dose inhalers.

What is asthma?

Asthma is believed to affect over five million people in The UK. The condition is caused by an inflammation of the bronchi, which are the tubes that connect the lungs to the windpipe. This inflammation causes the airway passages to contract. Another associated complication is an increased production of phlegm. This excess mucus can create a further obstruction in the airways. The main symptoms of asthma include;

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath

Asthma is a very common condition. However, asthma sufferers can experience the symptoms in various ways or at different levels of severity. Depending on the individual, asthma attacks can be triggered by allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, stress, or airborne chemicals, such as smoke. It isn't fully known why some people have an increased sensitivity to particular irritants over others, though family history is thought to play a role.

How does Salamol Easi-Breathe work?

Generally, there are two types of medicine contained in inhalers. Firstly, there are 'preventer' inhalers, which typically contain a corticosteroid, such as Beclomethasone. These are designed for regular use and will help to reduce inflammation in the airways. Secondly, there are 'reliever' inhalers, some of which contain the ingredient salbutamol.

These inhalers are used when required, to ease asthma symptoms. Salbutamol inhalers can also be used pre-emptively before you exercise or encounter an allergen.

Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called short-acting beta 2 agonists. Beta 2 receptors inside the lungs are stimulated by the beta 2 agonists, which relax the muscles in the airways. This relaxation causes an expansion in the airways, which helps relieve the symptoms of asthma.

Alternatives to Salamol Easi-Breathe

Asthma is not a condition that can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications. If you are looking for another treatment or want to swap inhalers you will need to broach this subject with your GP at your regular asthma review. Please do not 'try' a new inhaler without seeing your GP first.

We recommend you have a regular check-up with your regular GP to ensure your inhalers are still keeping your asthma controlled and are still the best course for you.

Sources

• Salamol Easi-Breathe Inhalers, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Salamol Easi-Breathe warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Before using Salamol Easi-Breathe, inform your doctor if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• High blood pressure
• A history of heart disease
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Hypoxia

You should also inform your doctor if you take or intend to take any of these medicines:

• Disulfiram
• Metronidazole
• Diuretics
• Long-term laxatives
• Propranolol
• Medication for heart disease (such as digoxin)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MOAI) antidepressants

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Salamol Easi-Breathe directions

Salamol Easi-Breathe should always be used as directed by a doctor to ease asthmatic symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. The usual dose will start at 1 puff and be increased to 2 puffs if necessary. Wait 4 hours between doses and do not exceed 8 puffs in one day.

To prevent symptoms of asthma during exercise or when exposed to an allergen the usual dose is 2 puffs 10-15 minutes before exposure.

1. Shake vigorously before use.
2. Hold the inhaler upright and fold down the mouthpiece.
3. Breathe out and then place the mouthpiece between your lips, making sure your hand is not blocking the air holes, begin taking a slow deep breath in. Make sure you take a full deep breath in even after the inhaler releases the dose.
4. Take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for 10 seconds.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly before use. If you do not feel your inhaler is working properly or it is not effectively relieving your symptoms you must speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice.

Salamol Easi-Breathe ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Salamol Easi-Breathe is: Salbutamol

Salamol Easi-Breathe also contains the following ingredients: Ethanol anhydrous, propellant HFA-134a.

Salamol Easi-Breathe does not contain chlorofluorocarbon propellants; this is replaced by propellant HFA-134a.

Salamol Easi-Breathe side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use Salamol Easi-Breathe, however, if you do they can include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Feeling tense
• Mild trembling
• Shaking

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.