Salamol Easi-Breathe Inhaler: Complete Guide for UK Patients
▶ Salamol inhaler UK guide
Salamol Easi-Breathe is a breath-actuated pMDI containing salbutamol 100mcg — the same drug as Ventolin but with a device that fires automatically when you inhale, eliminating coordination errors. It delivers an identical dose to Ventolin and is ideal for patients who struggle with press-and-breathe coordination. Available via Access Doctor GPhC pharmacy #9011198 with next-day delivery.
Up to 90% of patients make at least one critical technique error with a standard pMDI, dramatically reducing medication delivery to the airways. The most common error — pressing the canister a fraction of a second too early or too late relative to inhalation — is eliminated entirely by the Salamol Easi-Breathe breath-actuated design. This guide covers everything you need to know about Salamol, how it differs from Ventolin, and how to use it correctly.
For technique guidance applicable to all pMDI inhalers, see: How to Use an Asthma Inhaler Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide. For a comparison of all relievers and preventers, see: Asthma Inhalers: Your Complete Guide.
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Order Salamol →What Is Salamol Easi-Breathe?
Salamol Easi-Breathe is a breath-actuated pressurised metered-dose inhaler (BA-pMDI) containing salbutamol 100mcg per actuation. It is manufactured by Norton Healthcare and contains 200 doses. The active ingredient (salbutamol) is identical to Ventolin Evohaler — the difference is entirely in the delivery device.
Salbutamol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) — it relaxes the smooth muscle in the airway walls within 2–5 minutes, widening the airways and relieving breathlessness, wheeze, and chest tightness. It is a reliever inhaler — it does not treat underlying airway inflammation.
How Is Salamol Different from Ventolin?
| Salamol Easi-Breathe | Ventolin Evohaler | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Salbutamol 100mcg | Salbutamol 100mcg |
| Doses per inhaler | 200 | 200 |
| Device type | Breath-actuated pMDI (BA-pMDI) | Standard pMDI (press-and-breathe) |
| How it fires | Automatically on inhalation | Manual press of canister during inhalation |
| Coordination required | No — fires automatically | Yes — press and breathe simultaneously |
| Compatible with spacer | No | Yes |
| Suitable for acute attacks with spacer | No — use standard pMDI + spacer in attacks | Yes — recommended in acute attacks |
| Clinical efficacy | Equivalent | Equivalent |
How Does a Breath-Actuated Inhaler Work?
Inside the Salamol Easi-Breathe body, a spring-loaded mechanism sits ready to fire. When you open the cap and breathe in through the mouthpiece, the airflow you create triggers a release mechanism — automatically firing the canister and releasing a precise 100mcg dose of salbutamol into your inhaled breath.
The firing is triggered by a relatively low inspiratory flow rate — most people, including those with severe breathlessness, can generate enough flow to activate it. This makes it significantly more reliable than a standard pMDI for patients who repeatedly make coordination errors.
Key point: Salamol fires when you breathe in — not when you press. You do not press the canister; you simply breathe in steadily through the mouthpiece once the cap is open and the inhaler is in position.
Salamol Dosage
| Indication | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Symptom relief (as needed) | 1–2 puffs | When needed; up to 4 times daily for regular use |
| Pre-exercise (exercise-induced bronchoconstriction) | 2 puffs | 15–30 minutes before exercise |
| Acute attack (mild to moderate) | Up to 10 puffs | 1 puff every 30–60 seconds; call 999 if no improvement |
If you are using Salamol more than twice weekly for symptoms (outside pre-exercise use), your asthma is not adequately controlled. Discuss starting or reviewing a preventer inhaler with your prescriber. See: Types of Asthma Treatment Explained.
Important note on acute attacks: In a severe attack, a spacer with a standard pMDI (Ventolin Evohaler) is the preferred delivery method. Salamol cannot be used with a spacer. If you are managed with Salamol as your regular reliever, your asthma action plan should include access to a standard pMDI + spacer for emergency use.
How to Use Salamol Easi-Breathe Correctly
- 1
Open the cap
Open the mouthpiece cap fully. You will hear a click as the inhaler primes. Do not close the cap until you have completed your dose(s).
- 2
Breathe out gently
Exhale fully away from the inhaler. Do not breathe out through the mouthpiece.
- 3
Place in mouth and breathe in steadily
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece. Breathe in steadily and deeply. The inhaler will fire automatically — do not be startled; continue breathing in. Do not stop inhaling when you feel the puff.
- 4
Hold your breath
Hold for 10 seconds (or as long as comfortable). Breathe out slowly.
- 5
Close the cap
Close the mouthpiece cap after each use. If a second dose is needed, wait 30–60 seconds before repeating steps 1–4.
Who Should Use Salamol Instead of Ventolin?
Salamol Easi-Breathe is the better choice for:
- Patients who repeatedly demonstrate poor coordination technique with standard pMDI inhalers despite training
- Older patients or those with arthritis who find pressing the standard canister difficult
- Patients with cognitive difficulties affecting press-breathe coordination
- Children aged 5+ who are learning to use a pMDI without a spacer
Ventolin Evohaler with spacer remains the preferred choice for:
- Patients who need a spacer for optimal delivery (young children, elderly, poor inspiratory flow)
- Acute severe asthma attacks (spacer + standard pMDI is the recommended emergency delivery method)
Side Effects of Salamol
As salbutamol, side effects are identical to Ventolin: fine hand tremor (most common), palpitations, mild tachycardia, headache, and muscle cramps. These are dose-dependent and typically mild at standard doses. At the doses used in an acute attack (up to 10 puffs), palpitations and tremor may be more noticeable. These resolve as the drug clears. If you experience chest pain or a significantly irregular heartbeat, seek medical advice.
Order Salamol Online
Salamol Easi-Breathe is a prescription-only medicine. Access Doctor’s GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers can assess your suitability via a short online consultation. For a full explanation of the online process, see: Order an Asthma Inhaler Online UK. For information on Ventolin, see: Understanding and Using Your Ventolin Inhaler.
Order Salamol Easi-Breathe from Access Doctor
GPhC-registered pharmacy #9011198 · Pharmacist independent prescribers · Discreet next-day delivery.
Order Salamol →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salamol Easi-Breathe?
Salamol Easi-Breathe is a breath-actuated pressurised metered-dose inhaler (BA-pMDI) containing salbutamol 100mcg per actuation — the same drug as Ventolin. Unlike a standard pMDI, Salamol fires automatically when you inhale, eliminating the need to coordinate pressing the canister with your breath. It is designed for patients who find standard pMDI technique difficult.
What is the difference between Salamol and Ventolin?
Both contain salbutamol 100mcg and are equally effective — the active ingredient and dose are identical. The difference is entirely in the device: Ventolin Evohaler is a standard pMDI requiring press-and-breathe coordination; Salamol Easi-Breathe is breath-actuated and fires automatically on inhalation. Salamol is typically recommended for patients who repeatedly make technique errors with standard pMDIs.
How does a breath-actuated inhaler work?
A breath-actuated inhaler (BAI) contains a spring-loaded mechanism that detects the airflow when you inhale. When you breathe in through the mouthpiece, the airflow triggers the inhaler to fire automatically — releasing the dose at precisely the right moment. This removes the need to manually press the canister and breathe in simultaneously, which is the most common technique error with standard inhalers.
What is the dose of Salamol Easi-Breathe?
The standard adult dose is 1–2 puffs when needed for symptom relief, up to 4 times daily for regular use. In an acute attack, up to 10 puffs can be given every 4 hours. Each puff delivers 100mcg salbutamol. If you need Salamol more than twice weekly for symptoms, your asthma is not adequately controlled and a preventer inhaler should be reviewed.
Can I use a spacer with Salamol Easi-Breathe?
No. Salamol Easi-Breathe is not compatible with a standard spacer because it is breath-actuated — the spacer would interfere with the breath-detection mechanism. For patients who need a spacer (young children, severe attacks), a standard pMDI (Ventolin Evohaler) with spacer is the appropriate choice. Salamol is designed as a spacer-independent alternative for patients with coordination difficulties.
Is Salamol available on the NHS?
Yes. Salamol Easi-Breathe is an NHS-prescribable medicine. It is also available via Access Doctor's GPhC-registered online pharmacy following a short clinical consultation — no GP appointment needed.
References
- NICE. Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (NG245). 2024. nice.org.uk/guidance/ng245
- NHS. Asthma. nhs.uk/conditions/asthma
- Asthma + Lung UK. Asthma facts and statistics. asthma.org.uk
- BTS/SIGN. British Guideline on the Management of Asthma (SIGN 158). 2023. sign.ac.uk
- MHRA. Salbutamol (Ventolin Evohaler) summary of product characteristics. medicines.org.uk/emc
- GPhC. Standards for registered pharmacies. pharmacyregulation.org
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Asthma inhalers are prescription-only medicines — a clinical consultation is required before they can be dispensed. If you are experiencing a severe asthma attack, call 999 immediately. Always follow the guidance of your prescriber or asthma nurse. In a medical emergency, call 999.