The Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler is a breath-actuated blue reliever. Each puff delivers 100 micrograms of salbutamol. It fires as you breathe in. As a result, coordination becomes much easier. Prescription only, dispensed by Courier Pharmacy following UK prescriber review.
The Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler is a short-acting reliever. Teva UK makes it. Each puff delivers 100 micrograms of salbutamol. Firstly, salbutamol relaxes the muscles around your airways. As a result, your airways open within minutes. This eases wheezing, chest tightness, and breathlessness. In fact, salbutamol has served as the standard blue reliever since the 1960s. It still holds that role in UK care today.
Why the device stands out
What sets the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler apart is the device, not the medicine. Standard blue inhalers need timing. You press the canister at the exact moment you breathe in. However, that split-second timing can be hard. In particular, it’s tricky if you have reduced hand strength or arthritis. Meanwhile, the device removes the problem. It fires the dose as you start to breathe in. As a result, more medicine reaches your lungs.
Design, dose count, and prescription status
Each inhaler holds 200 doses. Additionally, it uses an HFA propellant. This is the modern ozone-friendly gas that replaced the old CFCs. Notably, the device is a pressurised suspension. As a result, it doesn’t pair well with a spacer. Above all, it is a Prescription Only Medicine in the UK. Furthermore, it should sit alongside a preventer for ongoing asthma. NICE guideline NG245 makes that point clearly.
Key features and specifications
Active ingredient: salbutamol sulfate equivalent to 100 micrograms per metered dose
A breath-actuated blue inhaler for anyone who struggles with a standard puffer
If you’ve ever fumbled the timing on a standard blue inhaler, you’re not alone. Firstly, coordinating the press and the breath is hard for many people. Meanwhile, the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler solves that problem. It fires the dose the moment you breathe in. As a result, the coordination bit is taken care of. At Courier Pharmacy, we help you pick the right reliever and use it properly.
Five key takeaways
The Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler is a breath-actuated blue reliever with 100 micrograms of salbutamol per puff.
It fires automatically when you breathe in. As a result, the press-and-breathe timing step disappears.
Use it as needed for asthma and COPD symptoms, or before exercise or allergen exposure.
Salbutamol should not stand alone for ongoing asthma. Above all, it works best alongside a preventer.
The Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler is a Prescription Only Medicine. A UK-qualified prescriber reviews every request at courierpharmacy.co.uk.
What is Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler: overview
Why breath-actuated devices help
The Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler exists because not everyone gets on with a standard puffer. In fact, studies show many patients use their inhaler poorly. Additionally, bad coordination is one of the main reasons. Breath-actuated devices remove that step. As a result, more of the medicine reaches the lungs.
How salbutamol works in the body
Salbutamol has been in clinical use since the late 1960s. Notably, it acts on beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle. When triggered, those receptors tell the muscle to relax. As a result, the airways open within about 5 minutes. The effect lasts around 4 to 6 hours. Furthermore, it does nothing for the underlying airway swelling.
Who the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler is licensed for
Salamol Easi-Breathe is licensed for adults, adolescents, and children aged 4 and over. Meanwhile, it is not licensed for children under 4. For younger children, a different device is usually better. If your child struggles with a standard blue inhaler, the Easi-Breathe version can genuinely help.
Device design and dose tracking
The device is pressurised and uses HFA-134a propellant. This is the modern ozone-friendly gas. Each canister holds 200 doses. However, unlike newer inhalers, it has no dose counter. As a result, keeping a rough count of your puffs matters. Some patients keep a spare inhaler for peace of mind.
Safety profile at a glance
Salbutamol has a well-understood safety profile. Above all, side effects are usually mild. However, the medicine slightly affects heart rate and blood sugar. As a result, patients with heart conditions, diabetes, or thyroid problems need extra care. Mention any of these during your consultation.
Why choose Courier Pharmacy for your Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler
Registered, independent, and patient-led
Courier Pharmacy is a UK-registered independent pharmacy. The General Pharmaceutical Council regulates us. Firstly, respiratory disease looks different for every patient. Additionally, your triggers, history, and device preferences all matter. As a result, our prescribers ask about those things. Getting your reliever right is not just about the ingredient. It’s about the fit.
Dr Ada Jex-Cori, our brand pharmacist
Our brand pharmacist is Dr Ada Jex-Cori. She represents the spirit of what we do. Named for Ada Lovelace, Sophia Jex-Blake, and Gerty Cori, she stands for evidence-led, unafraid-of-questions medicine. Her message is straightforward. You’re not broken. The system is. We’re here to change that.
Care that keeps showing up
We don’t disappear after we’ve dispensed. Furthermore, if your reliever use creeps up, we’re here. Additionally, if a side effect appears, we help you make sense of it. For patients navigating MCAS, chronic fatigue, or fibromyalgia, that continuity matters. Care that fits you means care that keeps showing up.
Buy Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler (Prescription Only) from Courier Pharmacy
The Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler is a Prescription Only Medicine. You can request it at courierpharmacy.co.uk. Firstly, complete an online consultation. Then, a UK-qualified prescriber reviews your answers. If approved, we dispense and deliver discreetly.
Complete a quick online consultation
A UK prescriber reviews your answers
If approved, a prescription is issued
We dispense and deliver discreetly to your door
If it isn’t suitable for you, we’ll explain why and suggest the next best option.
Summary
A blue reliever inhaler containing salbutamol, one of the world’s most-used respiratory medicines.
A breath-actuated device that fires the dose as you start to breathe in.
Used for symptom relief in asthma and COPD, and to prevent exercise-induced attacks.
Prescription only, and best used alongside a preventer for anyone with ongoing asthma.
Active ingredient in Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler
Salbutamol at a glance
The active ingredient is salbutamol, delivered as salbutamol sulfate. Each metered dose contains 100 micrograms of salbutamol. In particular, salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA). It binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle. As a result, the muscle relaxes and airways open within minutes.
Other ingredients in each puff
Each puff also contains 3.93 mg of ethanol. Additionally, HFA-134a propellant pushes the dose from the canister. Notably, the formulation is a pressurised suspension. The ethanol content is small and rarely clinically significant. However, mention any concerns during your consultation.
What is Salamol Easi-Breathe for?
Licensed uses
The Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler is licensed for asthma and other reversible airway conditions. In practice, that means asthma and COPD. Additionally, it prevents attacks brought on by exercise or allergens. Take a puff 10 to 15 minutes before your trigger. This can head off symptoms before they start.
Why it should sit alongside a preventer
Above all, salbutamol is not a preventer. It does nothing for the underlying airway swelling. For anyone with ongoing asthma, NICE NG245 recommends a preventer alongside the reliever. In fact, reliever-only treatment is linked to worse outcomes. As a result, guidance now stresses preventer use as the foundation.
Where the reliever still fits in
For occasional relief in mild asthma, the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler still has a role. Similarly, it helps with exercise-induced bronchospasm. Additionally, in COPD it remains a standard as-needed reliever. Your prescriber will discuss how it fits into your broader plan.
How does Salamol Easi-Breathe work?
Salbutamol relaxes the airway muscle
Salbutamol acts on beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle. Firstly, when triggered, those receptors tell the muscle to relax. As a result, the airways open within about 5 minutes. In fact, the effect peaks at 30 to 60 minutes. Additionally, it lasts 4 to 6 hours.
What salbutamol does not do
However, salbutamol does nothing about the swelling in your airways. That is the difference between a reliever and a preventer. Meanwhile, the airway lining stays swollen and reactive between attacks. Salbutamol relaxes the muscle in the moment. But the swelling stays there.
How the Easi-Breathe device fires
In a standard pMDI, you press the top as you breathe in. However, getting that timing wrong is common. Meanwhile, breath-actuated devices remove the step. As you start to breathe in, the inhaler senses airflow. It then fires the dose automatically. Consequently, more medicine reaches your small airways.
The HFA propellant explained
The HFA-134a propellant carries the medicine as a fine mist. Notably, it replaced the older CFC propellants. CFCs damaged the ozone layer. Additionally, HFA is gentler on the throat than CFCs used to be. Every part of the device is designed to make each puff count.
How to use Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler
Step-by-step technique
Firstly, shake the inhaler well. Then, hold it upright and open the cap until it clicks. Breathe out gently, away from the mouthpiece. Next, seal your lips around the mouthpiece. Now breathe in slowly and steadily. The inhaler will fire as you breathe in. Hold your breath for 10 seconds if you can.
Between doses and cleaning
Close the cap after each use. If you need a second puff, wait 30 seconds. Above all, don't breathe out through the mouthpiece. Additionally, don't cover the air holes on top. Both stop the device from firing properly. This is a solution suspension and doesn't work with a spacer.
Tracking your doses
Rinsing your mouth after use is not essential with a reliever. However, it can help with a dry feeling. Furthermore, keep track of how many puffs you have used. There is no dose counter on this device. Some patients mark the canister. Others keep a spare in reserve.
Treatment dosage Salamol Easi-Breathe
Adult and adolescent dose
For symptom relief, the usual dose is 1 or 2 puffs as needed. However, do not exceed 8 puffs in 24 hours. For exercise or allergen prevention, take 1 or 2 puffs 10 to 15 minutes before exposure. The BNF and Salamol SmPC confirm these figures.
When your reliever use signals a problem
Above all, needing your reliever more than 3 times a week is a signal. Firstly, it usually means your preventer is not holding your control. Additionally, it flags that a review is due. In fact, heavy reliever use is linked to worse asthma outcomes. Rather than reaching for extra puffs, contact your prescriber.
COPD relief and specialist doses
For COPD relief, the same as-needed principle applies. Furthermore, nebulised salbutamol has different dosing and is used under specialist care. Meanwhile, Salamol Easi-Breathe is a handheld device only. It does not replace prescribed maintenance therapy.
Warnings and precautions for Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler
Who should not use it
Firstly, don't use Salamol if you are allergic to salbutamol. Additionally, tell your prescriber about heart disease, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure. Similarly, mention any overactive thyroid or diabetes. Salbutamol can raise heart rate and blood sugar. As a result, these conditions need extra care around dosing.
When your reliever use is a warning sign
Above all, needing your reliever more than 3 times a week is a warning. In fact, it usually means the swelling in your airways is not controlled. Similarly, waking at night with symptoms suggests a review is due. Rather than using more Salamol, contact your prescriber.
Paradoxical bronchospasm
Very rarely, salbutamol causes paradoxical bronchospasm. This is when the airways tighten straight after use. Firstly, if this happens, stop Salamol and contact your prescriber urgently. Additionally, use a different reliever if you have one. Signs include sudden worsening breathlessness within seconds.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and ethanol
Salbutamol has been used widely in pregnancy for many years. Additionally, it is generally considered safe. However, it does pass into breast milk in small amounts. Mention any of these during your consultation. Notably, each puff contains 3.93 mg of ethanol. This is rarely a clinical concern.
Driving and machinery
Above all, Salamol Easi-Breathe has no or negligible influence on driving. Similarly, it does not affect your ability to use machinery. However, some people notice mild tremor after a dose. If this affects you, wait until it settles.
Side effects of Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler
Common side effects
The most common side effects affect up to 1 in 10 people. Firstly, tremor is common. Additionally, headache and heart palpitations can occur. Meanwhile, some people notice mild restlessness. Most of these are mild. As a result, they usually settle as your body adjusts.
Uncommon side effects
Uncommon side effects affect up to 1 in 100 people. These include muscle cramps and throat irritation. Furthermore, some patients notice raised blood sugar. In fact, this matters most for people with diabetes. Additionally, potassium can drop at high doses. Your prescriber may check it if needed.
Rare and very rare side effects
Rare side effects (up to 1 in 1,000) include hives and low blood pressure. Very rare side effects (up to 1 in 10,000) include serious allergic reactions. These include facial swelling, breathing difficulty, and widespread rash. Above all, any of these need urgent attention. Similarly, myocardial ischaemia has been reported very rarely.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help for sudden severe breathlessness after a puff. Similarly, seek help for chest pain or an irregular heartbeat. Additionally, get help for facial swelling or difficulty breathing. Above all, if your reliever isn't working as expected, seek help immediately.
You can report any suspected side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Drug interactions with Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler
Beta-blockers
Firstly, beta-blockers can reduce or block the effect of salbutamol. This includes non-selective ones like propranolol. Additionally, cardioselective beta-blockers can interact to a lesser extent. Meanwhile, some glaucoma eye drops contain beta-blockers. Tell your prescriber about any of these.
Other airway medicines and steroids
Meanwhile, other beta-2 agonists can add up to more side effects. Similarly, xanthines like theophylline deserve mention. In particular, diuretics that lower potassium can interact. Furthermore, digoxin and steroids need discussion. These combinations can push potassium lower or affect heart rhythm.
Antidepressants and anaesthetics
Additionally, MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants can enhance cardiovascular effects. Furthermore, halogenated anaesthetics used in surgery can interact. Meanwhile, mention Salamol if you're due an operation. Above all, tell your prescriber about every medicine, including over-the-counter and herbal ones.
Frequently asked questions about Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler
How quickly does the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler work?
You'll notice the airway-opening effect within about 5 minutes. In fact, the effect peaks at 30 to 60 minutes. Additionally, it lasts 4 to 6 hours. If you don't feel any improvement within 15 minutes, seek urgent medical help.
Is Salamol Easi-Breathe the same as Ventolin?
Both contain salbutamol at the same 100 microgram strength. As a result, the medicine is the same. However, the devices differ. Ventolin is a standard press-and-breathe inhaler. Meanwhile, Salamol Easi-Breathe is breath-actuated. Clinically, the two are equivalent.
How is a breath-actuated inhaler different from a standard one?
A standard inhaler needs you to press the canister as you breathe in. Meanwhile, a breath-actuated inhaler fires automatically as you inhale. As a result, coordination becomes much less of an issue. Additionally, more medicine tends to reach the lungs.
Can I use Salamol Easi-Breathe with a spacer?
No. The Easi-Breathe device is designed for use without a spacer. Firstly, its mechanism relies on you breathing directly through the mouthpiece. If you need a spacer, ask your prescriber about the standard Salamol pMDI instead. That version is spacer-compatible.
How often can I use my Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler?
Take 1 or 2 puffs as needed for relief. However, do not exceed 8 puffs in 24 hours. If you need it more than 3 times a week, speak to your prescriber. Similarly, if a single dose isn't lasting as long, contact us for a review.
Can I use Salamol Easi-Breathe on its own for asthma?
Only if your asthma is very mild and occasional. For anyone with ongoing symptoms, current UK guidance recommends a preventer alongside. In fact, salbutamol alone is linked to worse outcomes. Above all, discuss your full treatment plan with your prescriber.
Why doesn't the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler have a dose counter?
Older inhaler designs like the Easi-Breathe do not include a counter. As a result, keep a rough tally of how many puffs you've used. Some patients mark the canister with a pen. Others keep a spare inhaler in reserve. Both approaches work.
What should I do if my inhaler stops working?
Firstly, check that the cap is fully open. Then, check that the air holes on top aren't covered. If it still won't fire, the canister may be empty. Keep a spare inhaler and contact us for a replacement prescription.
Can Salamol Easi-Breathe be used in children?
Yes. It is licensed for children aged 4 and over. Below age 4, a different device is usually more suitable. Additionally, all children on inhalers should have their technique checked regularly. Ask your prescriber for a review if in doubt.
Can Salamol Easi-Breathe be used during pregnancy?
Salbutamol has been used widely in pregnancy for many years. Additionally, it is generally considered safe. However, it does pass into breast milk in small amounts. Mention any pregnancy or breastfeeding during your consultation.
Will Salamol Easi-Breathe affect my heart?
Salbutamol can cause a slight increase in heart rate. Meanwhile, palpitations are an uncommon side effect. Furthermore, high doses can have more marked cardiac effects. Contact your prescriber urgently for new chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.
Can Salamol Easi-Breathe cause a tremor?
Yes. A slight tremor in the hands is one of the most common side effects. Above all, it's usually mild. Furthermore, it often settles as your body adjusts. If it interferes with daily life, tell your prescriber.
Can I use Salamol Easi-Breathe before exercise?
Yes. Take 1 or 2 puffs about 10 to 15 minutes before exercise. This is a licensed use of salbutamol. However, if you regularly need it for exercise, discuss it at your next review.
What if I use too much Salamol Easi-Breathe?
Overuse can cause marked tremor and a fast heart rate. Additionally, it can cause headache and low potassium. Very high doses have very rarely been linked to serious cardiac effects. Contact NHS 111 or A&E if you feel unwell.
Does the ethanol content matter?
Each puff contains 3.93 mg of ethanol. Notably, this is a very small amount. As a result, it is rarely clinically significant. However, mention any concerns during your consultation.
How should I store Salamol Easi-Breathe?
Store below 30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, don't leave the inhaler in direct sunlight or a hot car. Never pierce or burn the canister, even when empty. Keep it out of the reach of children.
What's the difference between the reliever and preventer inhaler?
A reliever like Salamol opens your airways quickly. Meanwhile, a preventer reduces underlying airway swelling over weeks. As a result, relievers work fast and preventers work in the background. Most people with ongoing asthma need both.
Can I stop using my preventer if I have my Salamol Easi-Breathe?
No. Preventers and relievers do different jobs. Above all, stopping your preventer allows swelling to build back. As a result, flare-up risk rises. Don't change your treatment without talking to your prescriber.
Will I need a prescription from Courier Pharmacy?
Yes. Salamol Easi-Breathe is a Prescription Only Medicine. A UK-qualified prescriber must review your suitability. You can complete the consultation at courierpharmacy.co.uk.
What if the Salamol Easi-Breathe inhaler isn't right for me?
Sometimes a standard salbutamol pMDI suits better. In other cases, a different reliever entirely is the answer. Whatever the situation, we'll explain why and suggest the next best option. Honesty over sales, every time.
More than a prescription: our community
Free fortnightly drop-in clinics in Derby
Healthcare shouldn't only happen when you're paying for it. Every fortnight, we run free drop-in talks at Insomnia, Derby, from 10am to 12 pm. Anyone can come. No appointment. No cost. No pressure.
Topics we cover
We cover asthma control and inhaler technique. Additionally, we discuss weight management and hormone health. Furthermore, we cover MCAS, chronic fatigue, and more. Learn more about our community talks at courierpharmacy.co.uk.
Disclaimer: This information is for education only and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2024) Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management. NICE guideline NG245. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng245
