Salamol (salbutamol) is a rescue inhaler for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its active ingredient, salbutamol, also known as albuterol, is the most widely-used COPD and asthma rescue treatment in the world.

Each Salamol inhaler administers 100 mcg salbutamol per puff, the standard dose for rescue inhalers. As a beta-2 agonist and a bronchodilator, salbutamol reduces inflammation in the airways as well as relaxes the bronchoconstriction that makes breathing so difficult. It works in about 30 seconds to 5 minutes, and effects last 4 to 6 hours, though this can vary widely depending on the severity of the attack.

Salamol can be used as a rescue inhaler when COPD or asthma attacks develop, but it can also be used as a preventive treatment if taken shortly before exposure to triggers, whether exercise or allergens.

Using Salamol

Salamol inhalers are used similarly to any other aerosol inhalers; it should be shaken before use, placed to the lips, and activated. Detailed instructions are included with each package for those unfamiliar with the device.

There is some variety depending on what Salamol is being used for.

In normal circumstances:

• Adults should administer 1 to 2 puffs as-needed every 4 to 6 hours.
• Children age 4 and up should also take 1 or 2 puffs as-needed, but parents should try to keep it down to 1 puff every 4 to 6 hours if possible in young children.
• At least one minute should pass between inhalations if administering 2 puffs at once.
• Both children and adults should avoid taking more than 12 puffs in 24 hours.

During COPD or asthma attacks:

• 4 to 8 puffs every 20 minutes as-needed for the first 4 hours.
• 4 to 8 puffs every 1 to 4 hours after the first 4 hours.
• Again, staying on the low end of dosage is preferable in young children.

To prevent anticipated attacks:

• Take one or two puffs about 10 to 15 minutes prior to exercise or allergen exposure.
• Repeat as-needed during exercise or allergen exposure.
• If the medication doesn't provide significant relief, avoiding exercise or allergens may be preferable until an effective treatment is found.

Many patients told to utilize Salamol are also given a prescription for a maintenance inhaler, which is used a few times per day regardless of COPD or asthma symptoms. Maintenance inhalers usually, but not always, contain an inhaled steroid, which provides long-term anti-inflammatory benefit.

While maintenance inhalers provide significant advantage for many patients, they don't work well for everyone---some notice little to no benefit, while others find the condition worsens when they're taken. There is no benefit in continuing to buy and use these inhalers if they don't work, but keep in mind that it may take a month or two of regular use before significant benefit is seen. Give them a fair chance before deciding they're useless.

Potential Side Effects

Side effects from Salamol, or any salbutamol medication, are relatively common but typically quite mild:

• Nervousness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Tremor/shaking
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Rapid or erratic heartbeat
• Pain in throat

Unfortunately the above, plus the stress on the body during a severe or ongoing attack, are very similar to overdose symptoms and can often be differentiated only in severity. Those reluctant to seek medical attention even for severe attacks should definitely do so if experiencing any of the above severely. Overdosing can prove fatal.

Certain other medications may interfere with Salamol's effectiveness; check with a doctor of pharmacist if unsure. Simultaneous use of any strong stimulants, such as other types of rescue inhalers, large doses of caffeine, or street drugs such as cocaine can considerably increase risk of serious side effects or overdose.

There is some evidence that Salamol (like any salbutamol product) use can cause blood pressure to raise or drop, and can interfere with potassium levels in the blood. Both of these conditions can be concerning and warrant attention by a doctor, and monitoring if a patient is predisposed to them.

As mentioned above, salbutamol is the most widely used rescue treatment in the world. The vast majority of patients use it with no issues beyond mild side effects.