Soltel

What is Soltel?

Soltel is a single-ingredient (salmeterol) bronchodilator inhaler that works by opening the airways in the lungs.

It’s used to prevent problems caused by asthma or COPD, such as shortness-of-breath or chest tightness. It is usually used twice a day (in the morning and evening) alongside a steroid inhaler, and the amount you take will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Soltel isn’t a reliever inhaler, so shouldn’t be used to treat a sudden, severe onset of breathing problems. It can be used half an hour before exercise to prevent any breathing difficulties brought on by increased activity.

How do Soltel inhalers work?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs. When you have asthma, the airways that bring air into your lungs become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe.

The active ingredient in Soltel, salmeterol, lasts for around 12 hours when inhaled. It belongs to a class of drugs known as long-acting-beta-agonists that relax the muscles in your lungs. Inhalers that contain these types of drugs are known as LABAs. If you’ve been prescribed a Soltel inhaler, you’ll take it alongside a steroid inhaler. That’s because LABAs work by relaxing the muscles in your lungs, but they don’t treat inflammation the way corticosteroids do.

What kind of inhaler is Soltel?

Soltel is a bronchodilator that contains one active ingredient only: salmeterol. It’s a green inhaler, and is usually prescribed in combination with a corticosteroid inhaler like Pulmicort or Symbicort.

A lot of older inhalers contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are used as propellants to send medicine out of the device, allowing it to be breathed in through the mouth. Soltel instead contains norflurane to do this. Medicines that contain norflurane are less harmful to the environment, which means Soltel is a mindful choice if you’re worried about the impact your asthma or COPD treatment is having on the planet.

Are there different doses of Soltel?

Soltel CFC-free comes in one strength, 25mcg. The usual recommended dose for adults is
2 puffs, twice a day. That’s also the same starting dose for people with COPD.

If your asthma is more severe and this isn’t enough, you might be advised to take 4 puffs twice a day. Soltel is always prescribed alongside a steroid inhaler to ensure your asthma is adequately managed. Another option if you feel like you might not be getting the most from your inhaler is to use a spacer device with it. Spacers are tube-like devices that attach to your inhaler and help you breathe in the medication easier. They work by reducing particle size, and can also reduce the chances of accidentally swallowing any of the drug if it’s inhaled incorrectly.

How to use your Soltel inhaler

To get the most out of your Soltel inhaler, you should use it when you’re standing up, or sitting upright.

1. Remove the mouthpiece cover, making sure you remove any loose objects.
2. Shake the inhaler – this mixes the contents together.
3. With your thumb on the base of the inhaler, breathe out as far as possible.
4. Place your lips around the mouthpiece. Breathe in slowly through your mouth.
5. Press down on top of the inhaler to release a dose while still breathing in.
6. Hold your breath and remove the inhaler from your mouth.
7. If you’re taking another puff, wait for 30 seconds and repeat steps 3-6.
8. Replace the mouthpiece cover by snapping it back into position

If your inhaler gets cold, you can rub the metal canister in your hands to warm it up. To test your Soltel inhaler is working properly, spray one puff into the air.

What if I miss a dose of my Soltel inhaler?

If you ever forget to use your Soltel inhaler, just take your usual amount when the next dose is due. There’s no need to try and make up for missed doses by having more puffs of your inhaler. You could

If you’ve got any concerns about how often you’re using your inhaler, you can speak to us any time. We’ll keep in regular contact when you start any asthma treatment.

Are combination inhalers more effective than using Soltel and a preventer?

Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers (LABAs) are used to treat moderate to severe asthma. They’re always prescribed alongside a corticosteroid inhaler. This might leave you wondering if it’s better to use one combination inhaler that contains both medicines, rather than two different ones.

A clinician will prescribe a separate LABA like Soltel along with your steroid inhaler if they think you need to use both to manage your asthma better.

Although combination inhalers like Relvar Ellipta contain the two unique medicines, there are different types of LABAs with different potencies. By having a separate inhaler, you might be able to strike a better balance between the asthma medications you need.

Medically reviewed by

Mr Craig Marsh

Pharmacist Prescriber

on February 21, 2023.

Meet Craig