What is a Salamol Easi-breathe Inhaler?
Salamol inhalers are a reliever inhaler for asthma more known as the 'blue' inhaler. It contains the active ingredient Salbutamol. They provide quick relief from asthma attacks usually within 5 minutes but do not provide long term prevention.
Salamol is the generic version of the popular Ventolin inhaler, which has the same active ingredient. However some people prefer Ventolin, but as they are slightly more expensive the NHS is cutting back on the prescribing of them.
Salamol is available as an evohaler, it is also available in an easier to use form 'Easi-breathe' inhaler.
The Easi-Breathe inhaler is activated by breathing in. Some people find this easier because they do not need to coordinate inhalation with pressing the canister.
You cannot buy Salbutamol easi-breathe inhalers over the counter in the uk, but you can use our private prescription service, just fill in our free online consultation form which will then be reviewed by our prescriber. If deemed suitable for you a prescription will be generated and your inhaler will be posted to you.
How to order Salamol Easi-breathe inhalers online
You can use our online prescription service to buy Salamol Easi-breathe online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK that offers free and next day delivery. Any website that claims to sell Salamol Easi-breathe without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How to use a Salbutamol Easi-breathe inhaler
The usual adult dose is one or two puffs when needed, up to four times daily as prescribed. Your clinician may also advise a dose before exercise or another known trigger. Follow your prescription and asthma action plan.
Before first use, or after five days or more without use, test-spray the Easi-Breathe twice into the air. Unscrew the top to expose the canister, open the mouthpiece cap, shake, and press the canister for the test sprays. Close the cap and replace the top before inhaling a dose. The steps below are for taking your medicine, when breathing in releases the puff automatically.
- Shake the inhaler well, hold it upright and fold down the mouthpiece cap. Check that the mouthpiece is clear.
- Breathe out comfortably, away from the inhaler.
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, keeping the air holes uncovered.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply. The inhaler releases a puff automatically: keep breathing in after it fires. Do not press the canister while taking a dose.
- Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for about 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable, then breathe out gently.
- Keep it upright and close the cap after each puff to reset it. If another puff is prescribed, wait about one minute, then repeat.
There is also a video you can watch here on correct inhaler technique.
For routine use, follow your prescription and do not exceed 8 puffs in 24 hours unless your clinician or asthma action plan tells you otherwise.
Use your blue reliever alongside the steroid-containing asthma treatment prescribed for you. If you need it for symptoms more than twice a week, book an asthma review. Needing more than usual or getting less relief can mean your asthma is worsening.
If you are having an asthma attack: sit upright and follow your written asthma action plan. Call 999 if you are getting worse, your reliever is not helping, or you do not have an inhaler. Do not wait for an online order or a routine review.
Common Salbutamol easi-breathe inhaler technique mistakes
- Forgetting to prime their inhaler if needed
- Not checking the mouthpiece for objects
- Forgetting to shake the inhaler before use
- Not breathing out before using it
- Not aiming the inhaler towards the throat
- Not forming a tight seal around the mouthpiece
- Blocking the air holes or stopping breathing in when the puff is released
- Using two puffs right after one another
- Breathing out too quickly after taking a puff
Salamol Easi-Breathe is licensed for adults and children aged 4 years and over. An adult should supervise a child using it, and the child's prescribed dose and technique should be checked by their clinician.
Salamol side effects
As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects include:
- Shakes
- Faster heartbeat
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Unpleasant taste
- Throat irritation
- Cough
Your side effects should go away as you get used to Salbutamol. Use only the prescribed dose. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if side effects persist. If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet. Call 999 for chest pain or signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing.
Spacers
You cannot use a spacer with a Salbutamol easi-breathe inhaler, you will need a normal Salamol inhaler instead.
Salbutamol and pregnancy
Yes you can use your Salamol easi-breathe inhaler while pregnant and it is important to keep your asthma controlled, as uncontrolled asthma could lead to complications with your baby.
Salbutamol and breastfeeding
Yes you can use your Salamol easi-breathe inhaler while breastfeeding.
Salamol easi-breathe vs Steroid inhalers
Use your blue reliever alongside the steroid-containing asthma treatment prescribed for you. If you need it for symptoms more than twice a week, book an asthma review. Needing more than usual or getting less relief can mean your asthma is worsening.
Who cannot use Salamol easi-breathe
Salbutamol is well tolerated and suitable for most people. However it may not be suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Salbutamol
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy Salamol Easi-breathe over the counter?
No you cannot buy Salamol Easi-breathe inhalers over the counter in the uk, a private prescription is needed to buy a Salamol Easi-breathe.
How many Salamol Easi-breathe puffs can I take in one day?
Do not exceed more than eight puffs of your Salamol Easi-breathe inhaler in a 24 hour period, if you find you need more then eight puffs in a single day, contact your doctor for an asthma review.
Can I use a spacer with my Salamol Easi-breathe inhaler?
No you cannot use a spacer with a breath actuated or dry powder inhaler.
How quickly does Salamol Easi-breathe work?
It should work pretty much straight away and the effect should last around 5 hours.
Are there any long term effects of using a Salamol Easi-breathe inahler?
A salbutamol inhaler may remain part of your treatment, but frequent use needs review. It relieves tight airways and does not treat the underlying inflammation. Keep using your prescribed steroid-containing treatment and arrange regular asthma reviews.
Is it safe to buy Salamol Easi-breathe inhalers from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Does Salamol Easi-breathe expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medicine has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store a Salamol Easi-breathe inhaler?
Store Salamol Easi-Breathe below 25°C, away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze it. Keep it out of children’s reach and do not pierce or burn the pressurised canister, even when empty.
Can I buy Salamol Easi-breathe inhalers on amazon?
No you cannot buy Salamol Easi-breathe inhalers on amazon in the uk, as they cannot prescribe one for you.
Can I drink alcohol while using Salamol Easi-breathe?
Yes it is safe to alcohol with using your Salamol Easi-breathe inhaler.
Sources and further information
- eMC: Salamol Easi-Breathe CFC-Free Inhaler 100 micrograms: patient leaflet (checked 8 September 2026)
- Cambridge University Hospitals: How to use an Easi-Breathe (checked 8 September 2026)
- MHRA: Salbutamol and terbutaline: risks from overuse in asthma and changes to prescribing guidelines (checked 8 September 2026)
- NHS: Asthma (checked 8 September 2026)
- eMC: Salamol Easi-Breathe CFC-Free Inhaler patient leaflet (checked 8 September 2026)
- Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
- Further product information
