How do I properly use the AIRSUPRA (albuterol + budesonide) inhaler?

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Last updated: November 10, 2026 • View editorial policy

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How to Use the AIRSUPRA Inhaler

AIRSUPRA requires priming before first use, consists of 2 puffs per dose (maximum 6 doses/24 hours), and must be shaken before each puff with mouth rinsing after use to prevent oral thrush. 1

Initial Setup

Prime the inhaler before first use:

  • Remove mouthpiece cover by squeezing both sides
  • Shake well and spray 4 test-puffs into the air (away from face)
  • Shake before each test-puff
  • Write the "Use By" date on the actuator label: 6 months for 28-inhalation canister or 12 months for 120-inhalation canister after opening foil pouch 1

Taking Your Dose

Each dose consists of 2 puffs - follow this sequence:

  1. Check: Remove mouthpiece cover and inspect for foreign objects
  2. First puff:
    • Shake inhaler well
    • Breathe out fully
    • Place mouthpiece in mouth and close lips around it
    • Start breathing in deeply and slowly while pressing down to spray 1 puff
    • Continue breathing in until you cannot anymore
    • Remove inhaler and hold breath for up to 10 seconds
  3. Second puff: Immediately repeat the shake and inhale steps
  4. Rinse: Rinse mouth with water if available (do not swallow) to reduce thrush risk
  5. Replace mouthpiece cover 1

Critical Dosing Limits

Do not exceed 6 doses (12 puffs) in 24 hours. The puff indicator counts down by 1 with each actuation - stop using when it reaches "0" as you will not receive a full dose. 1

Re-Priming Requirements

You must re-prime with 2 test-puffs if:

  • Not used for more than 7 days
  • Dropped
  • After cleaning the actuator 1

Weekly Maintenance

Clean the white actuator once weekly to prevent medication buildup:

  • Remove canister and set aside (keep dry)
  • Rinse both ends of actuator with warm water for 30 seconds
  • Shake off excess water (no soap, no towel drying)
  • Let air-dry overnight
  • Reassemble when completely dry: place mouthpiece cover on first, then insert canister
  • Re-prime with 2 test-puffs 1

Emergency use when wet: If needed before dry, shake off excess water, insert canister, spray 2 test-puffs away from face, take prescribed dose, then re-clean following weekly rinse steps. 1

Storage and Disposal

  • Store at room temperature 68°F-77°F (20°C-25°C) in a dry place
  • Avoid humid environments like bathrooms
  • Discard when puff indicator reaches "0" OR at expiration date (6 or 12 months after opening foil pouch), whichever comes first
  • Do not puncture or incinerate canister 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Forgetting to shake: Must shake before every single puff
  • Skipping the second puff: Both puffs are required for one complete dose
  • Not rinsing mouth: Increases risk of oral candidiasis (thrush)
  • Using when wet: Always allow actuator to fully air-dry after cleaning, or follow emergency wet-use protocol
  • Exceeding dose limits: More than 6 doses/day suggests poor asthma control - contact your provider 1

Note: AIRSUPRA is for as-needed use only and is not a maintenance therapy. Continue your prescribed maintenance asthma medications as directed by your healthcare provider. 1, 2

References

2
Research

The Use of Albuterol/Budesonide as Reliever Therapy to Reduce Asthma Exacerbations.

The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice, 2024

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.