Salamol CFC Free Inhaler

Salamol is a brand name of a medicine called salbutamol (a fast acting bronchodilator ) that is used to treat symptoms in respiratory conditions like Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). 

Salamol uses the active ingredient salbutamol sulfate (100 micrograms per puff)  which relieves symptoms of breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing or coughing by relaxing the muscles in the airways and making it easier to breathe. 

Salbutamol is what’s known as a Short Acting Beta Agonist (SABA), it works by activating the beta-2 receptors of the smooth muscles of the airways. The resultant effect of this is an enzymatic cascade which results in the muscles relaxing and the airways widening (bronchodilation). 

Salbutamol starts working within 5 minutes of taking as an inhaled puff. The maximum effect is seen within 30 minutes and the duration of effect lasts 4-6 hours after use.

Due to Salbutamol/Salamol’s role as a “rescue” inhaler, (i.e when symptoms are being troublesome), it is not advised to be used daily or regularly as a preventive measure. It can sometimes be used prophylactically before exercise or exposure to known triggers. For more information on its specific prophylactic indications, please consult your healthcare provider. 

Preventive inhalers use steroids and prevent chronic remodelling of the airways from repeated asthma attacks. 

There are different types of salamol inhalers, these include:

• Salamol CFC-free inhaler: a standard metered dose-inhaler which requires coordinated inhaling + manual puff release.
• Salamol Easi-breathe inhaler: A breath actuated inhaler which automatically delivers the salbutamol puff when you breathe in 

It’s important to note that overuse of such Salbutamol inhalers indicates poor asthma control. Please speak to your healthcare advisor if you have had to use your salamol inhaler more than 3 times a week or have had to use it at night.

Salamol and Ventolin have the same ingredient (Salbutamol sulfate) and they have it at the same dose (100mcg). However there are a few differences between them:

Both Salamol and Ventolin have the same active ingredient and at the same strength. They both perform the same function – to provide rapid relief against symptoms of asthma or COPD and they both have  the same mechanism of action (by activating beta2 receptor agonists on smooth muscle cells of the airways). 

However some of the differences between these inhaler brands include branding, device options, costing and the inhaler look. These differences between Salamol vs Ventolin are summarised in the table below:

Since both Inhaler brands have the same active ingredient at the same dose, and the same effectiveness and same side effect profile, switching between them should be fine. However please consult your healthcare provider or asthma/COPD nurse before changing brands.

Both the  Salamol CFC inhaler and Salamol Easi-breathe inhalers are from the same brand, contain the same medicine (salbutamol 100mcg) and have the same chemical mechanism of action (relaxing the airways). However the key difference between them is the method of administration.

The Salamol 100micrograms/dose inhaler CFC free is a standard pressure metered dose inhaler (pMDI). It works by a press and release mechanism. The user is meant to form a tight seal around the mouth piece and take a deep breath in while pressing on the canister in the inhaler to release the medicine. This type of inhaler is ideal for people with good coordination, or for kids or the elderly . 

The salamol-easi breathe works automatically when the user forms a tight seal around the inhaler mouthpiece and takes a breath in. The inspiration causes an automatic release of the medicine into the patient’s mouth. This type of inhaler is ideal for people who struggle with co-ordinating the pressing of the canister and inhaling at the same time. 

Both the Salamol CFC-free inhaler and Salamol Easi-breathe use environmentally friendly propellants (Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)) instead of CFC’s.

Both inhalers are generally affordable, with the Easi-breathe being slightly more expensive due to it’s mechanism of administration. 

If you are considering using one or the another and are unsure of which one to choose, please speak to your healthcare provider as they may be able to provider you with personalized advice.

The Salamol dosage that may be prescribed to you depends on your age, condition and whether you are using it for prevention or symptom relief. 

If you are using salamol for symptom relief, the typical dose of 100 micrograms per puff is 1-2 puffs a day, up to 4 times a day as needed.  If you are trying to use salamol as a preventive medicine before exercise then it is recommended to take 2 puffs of 100 micrograms each, 10-15 minutes before activity. 

In cases of a severe asthma attack, you may need up to 10 puffs spaced over time in addition to other medicines. This needs to be done under medical supervision and in the access of other medical equipment and supplies. 

It is important to note that you should not exceed more than 8 puffs in 24 hours without medical supervision (unless instructed specifically during emergencies). Overuse can lead to/and increase the incidence of side effects. 

Some important tips for taking the right salamol dosage effectively include:

• Shaking well before each puff
• Use a spacer if advised – especially for children or people with difficulty inhaling properly 
• If you are having to use your inhaler on more than 3 incidences per week, these could indicate poorly controlled asthma and COPD. Please speak to your healthcare advisor.

Like all medicines , Salamol – through the CFC inhaler- has some side effects. These don’t necessarily affect all users and most are mild. Please find below Some of the notable salbutamol side effects.

Common but mild side effects include:

• Tremors and shakiness in the hands
• Mild and temporary headaches upon usage
• Increased heart rate or tachycardia
• Nervousness or restlessness as the body adjusts
• Sometimes muscle cramps due to the potassium imbalance
• Dry or flaky throat due to the method administration 

Less common but potentially more serious side effects include:

• • Palpitations or an irregular heart beat
  • Chest pain
  • paradoxical bronchospasms
  • Low potassium (hypokalaemia)
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Allergic reactions (lip swelling, throat swelling or skin changes)

If you experience signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, please seek medical help immediately. 

Some tips to reduce side effects include:

• Use only as prescribed – don’t overuse the inhaler
• Rinse your mouth after use to prevent irritation

If you feel that you find side effects of Salamol intolerable or persistently irritable, please speak to your healthcare advisor.

Using Salamol/ Salbutamol  inhalers correctly is necessary to ensure that you get the rightamount of medicine into your lungs to manage Asthma or COPD.

The Salamol CFC free inhaler/ Salbutamol blue inhaler comes as a pressurised metered-dose inhaler, (pMDI). The steps for using this type of inhaler is as follows:

Prepare the inhaler:

• Remove the cap/mouthpiece to allow you to check that it is clean and free of debris.Shake the inhaler to mix the medicine evenly throughout the medication tube.
• Prime the inhaler if you are using it for the first time or if it hasn’t been used in 7 days. You can prime it by spraying some of the medicine from the inhaler into the air.

Exhale fully to clear your lungs:

Stand or sit up straight and breathe out gently to blow out as much air as you can from your lungs. This makes room for the medication.

Inhaling the medication:

• Place the inhaler in your mouth, with the mouthpiece between your teeth.
• Close your lips around the mouthpiece, but don’t bite down on it.
• Breathe in deeply and slowly through the mouth and press the cannister at the same time to release the medicine into your mouth. This allows you to take the medication in.
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds and allow the medicine to settle your lungs.
• Then breathe out gently through your nose or mouth

More than one puff:

If you have been prescribed more than one puff per dose, then wait 30-60 seconds after one puff before taking the next one

Finishing up:

Place the cap back on the inhaler

Rinse your mouth with water after using Salamol to reduce the risk of irritation

In most countries (including the UK) you cannot buy salbutamol over the counter, it is a prescription only medicine.

To buy salbutamol (either Ventolin or Salamol) requires a prescription from a doctor or an asthma nurse. These can be accessed either through or the NHS or private healthcare (such as Meds For Less). 

You can purchase Salbutamol Inhalers (Salamol or Ventolin) easily, conveniently or reliably from Meds For Less. Our inhouse-doctors will review your requests online and approve it, all in all allowing you to receive your medication within 24 hours.