How To Use Salamol

How to Take Salamol: Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide

Using your Salamol inhaler correctly ensures the drug reaches the small airways. Follow these steps every time:

1. Prepare: Remove the mouthpiece cap. If the inhaler is new or hasn’t been used for 5 days, release two test puffs into the air (away from your face).
2. Exhale gently: Breathe out as far as comfortable, keeping the inhaler upright.
3. Position: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips firmly around it. Do not cover the air inlet with your teeth.
4. Inhale and actuate: Start to breathe in slowly and deeply; immediately after starting to inhale, press down firmly on the canister to release one puff. Continue to breathe in steadily.
5. Hold breath: Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable), then breathe out slowly.
6. Repeat if needed: Wait about 30 seconds before taking a second puff.
7. After use: Replace the cap. Rinsing your mouth with water can help prevent throat irritation.

Cleaning your inhaler (must be done weekly): Remove the metal canister (do NOT put it in water). Rinse the plastic mouthpiece and cap under warm running water for 30 seconds. Shake off excess water and dry thoroughly (overnight if possible) before reassembling. Never use direct heat to dry. If you need to use it before it’s dry, shake off water, test‑spray twice into the air, then take your dose.

Dosage Guide: Recommended Puffs and Frequency

Dosage should always follow your doctor’s advice. The general recommendations for Salamol CFC‑Free Inhaler (100 micrograms/puff) are:

If you find you need to use your reliever more than twice a week, or if a dose does not provide relief for at least 3 hours, your asthma may be poorly controlled – consult your doctor.

What if you use too much? Overdose can cause tremor, headache, fast heart rate, and potentially low potassium. If you accidentally take more than prescribed, contact your doctor or hospital immediately – take this leaflet and your inhaler with you.

Who Should Use Salamol (Indications)

Salamol is suitable for adults, adolescents, and children (usually from age 4‑5, but follow your doctor’s advice) for:

• Relief of symptoms in asthma and other conditions with reversible airways obstruction (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD).
• Prevention of exercise‑induced bronchospasm (take 2 puffs before exercise).

It is a short‑acting bronchodilator and should be used as a “reliever” – not as a regular maintenance treatment unless combined with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Who Should NOT Use Salamol (Contraindications)

Do not use Salamol if:

• You are allergic to salbutamol sulphate or any of the other ingredients (norflurane, anhydrous ethanol).
• You have experienced paradoxical bronchospasm (worsening wheeze after using a bronchodilator) in the past.
• You have a severe heart condition (e.g., tachyarrhythmia) unless specifically approved by a cardiologist.

If you have thyrotoxicosis, high blood pressure, or diabetes, Salamol should be used with caution – your doctor will assess the balance of risks.

Taking Salamol with or without Food

Salamol is an inhaled medication; food does not affect its absorption or action. You can use it at any time relative to meals. However, if you rinse your mouth after use, it is sensible to do so separately from eating or drinking to avoid swallowing the drug.

Alcohol: Small amounts are unlikely to interfere, but binge drinking may worsen side effects like dizziness or fast heart rate.

Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Other Considerations

Pregnancy

Salbutamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Uncontrolled asthma poses greater risks to both mother and baby (e.g., low oxygen). Use the lowest effective dose and always under medical supervision.

Breastfeeding

Salbutamol is excreted into breast milk in very small amounts – unlikely to affect a nursing infant. It can be used while breastfeeding, but discuss with your doctor.

Hepatic or renal impairment

No specific dose adjustment is usually required, but caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment because metabolism may be reduced, potentially increasing side effects.

Elderly

Standard adult doses apply. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects like tremor or tachycardia – monitor accordingly.

Children

Salamol is licensed for children. Use a spacer device (e.g., Volumatic®) for children under 5 or those who struggle with technique – it improves drug delivery and reduces side effects.

Salamol FAQs

Need a Salamol Prescription or Review?

If you use Salamol frequently, a review with a UK‑registered doctor can help optimise your asthma management.

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