Developed and marketed by the pharmaceutical company IVAX, Salamol is an asthma treatment that is available in numerous forms. Whether it comes as a standard inhaler, so-called Easi-Breathe inhaler or Steri-Neb (nebuliser form), Salamol is one of the leading reliever medicines available on the UK markets.
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As such, this medicine was designed alleviate the acute symptoms or prevent an asthma attack when used 15 minutes prior to exposure to a known trigger. Thus, asthmatics using Salamol can both use it when needed, in case of exacerbation of symptoms, and in a preventive way, like before exercising (in case of exercise-induced asthma) or if allergens are currently present. With its fast-acting relief and multiple easy to use forms, it’s not hard to see the reasons behind the popularity of Salamol among the asthmatics in the UK.
Salamol sulphate and asthma management in the UK
Within the United Kingdom alone, there are more than 5.5 million diagnosed asthmatics, with a number of people inadequately managing their condition being even higher. The symptoms associated with asthma are easily recognizable and are a part of common knowledge today. They range from coughing and shortness of breath, to more severe breathing difficulties and wheezing. Salamol is designed to address these symptoms and provide immediate relief.
While there is, as of now, no consensus in the medical community regarding the root causes of asthma, much is known about this condition. Most importantly, the scientist have identified the factors and stimuli that play an important role in the onset of asthma attacks and also thoroughly described the processes taking place within the lungs that can be considered to be physiological basis of the symptoms experienced. These discoveries allowed pharmaceutical companies to develop effective medicines aimed at curbing these processes and also helped asthmatics to better avoid possible triggers.
The most common triggers can be very varied, ranging from smoke, cold air, dust and chemical residue to allergens such as pollen, mould and pet hair. Even things such as stress or disruption of regular sleep patterns can bring on an exacerbation of symptoms in some individuals.
Salamol as asthma attack relief
When symptoms of asthma exacerbate and manifest in sudden, severe episodes, this is called an asthma attacks. The most dangerous ones will require immediate medical assistance, but the milder ones, usually experienced by asthmatics can be managed with short acting beta-2 agoinst like Salamol. This type of medicine will provide a short, but instant relief that will allow the user to breathe normally and continue with everyday activities.
With principal cause of asthma being the inflammation in the airways connecting the lungs to the windpipe, effective medicines must address this problem primarily. Once a heightened immunity response to certain irritants or triggers occurs, the muscle tissue surrounding the inflamed airways will start to contract, further narrowing the airways and making breathing difficult, especially when excess phlegm is present.
Salamol shares its active ingredient, salbutamol, with more popular, branded version marketed as Ventolin. Salbutamol works by stimulating beta-2 receptors within the lungs. In this way, it contributes to the relaxation of the muscle tissue within the lungs, subsequently leading to widening of the bronchi and reduction in the intensity of symptoms.
How to use Salamol?
As with all prescription medicines, following the doctor’s directions in terms of method and frequency of use, dose and other factors of the treatment is of uttermost importance. A medical professional will provide you with all the details you need to know regarding the use of Salamol and by following those instructions, you will ensure maximum efficiency of the treatment with minimal danger of side effects occurring.
How to use Salamol Easi-Breathe
Salamol Easi-Breathe is not that different from the usual inhaler, although it is somewhat easier to use and as such, it can be suitable for children too. The most general guidelines can be presented as following:
- The starting does is one puff for most of patients
- After administering one dose, it is necessary to wait at least for four hours before taking another one
- Never take more than four doses per day
- Use the medicine only to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack
- Preventive use is recommended only when exposure to trigger is imminent
- To use the medicine, first flip down the cover on the device
- Shoot a couple of test shoots into the air
- Shake the device
- Breathe out fully
- Put the inhaler against your mouth
- Inhale deeply
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as close to this duration as you can
- If your dose is more than one puff, wait at least a minute before taking the second one
How to use Salamol inhaler?
- Take the cap off the inhaler
- Shoot a couple of test shoots into the air
- Breathe out fully
- Put the inhaler’s mouthpiece between lips
- Inhale deeply while pressing down on the canister
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds, or as close to this duration as you can
- If your dose is more than one puff, wait at least a minute before taking the second one
What are Salamol side effects?
Almost every prescription medicine will come with its own array of potential side effects and the same goes for Salamol. Those that you should be especially aware of include symptoms similar to allergic reaction or the general worsening of asthma symptoms. If any of these occur, be sure to contact the emergency services immediately and ask for a professional advice.
Aside from these very dangerous problems, common to all asthma medicines, some others, more common problems have been identified, including:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Muscle cramps
- Lowered levels of potassium in blood
- Difficulty sleeping
- Itching
Is it safe for me to use Salamol?
While Salamol is considered to be rather safe asthma treatments, there are some contraindications, situations where doctor might advise against the use of this medicine. For example, other medicines can interfere with Salamol within the organism with potentially unpredictable consequences. You should generally not use Salamol if you are currently taking:
- Beta-blockers
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Diuretics
- Metronidazole
- Disulfiram
Likewise, certain underlying conditions might be problematic, and these include:
- Problems with thyroid gland
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Irregular heartbeat
- Angina
- Glaucoma
- Hypoxia
Finally, if you’re pregnant or are breastfeeding, it would be best to consult with your doctor about the safety of your treatment. There are no hard rules when it comes to this and the possible change of medicine will depend mostly on the dose you’ve been prescribed.