What is the recommended dosing for Airsupra (generic name not specified)?

Airsupra (Albuterol-Budesonide) Dosing Recommendations

The recommended dosing for Airsupra (albuterol-budesonide combination) is two inhalations as needed for acute asthma symptoms, with patients continuing their regular maintenance asthma therapy. 1

Medication Information

• Airsupra is a combination inhaler containing albuterol (a short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist) and budesonide (a corticosteroid) specifically designed to treat acute asthma attacks 1
• This combination provides both immediate bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects in a single inhaler 1
• Airsupra is not intended to replace maintenance therapy but rather to serve as rescue medication for acute symptoms 1

Dosing Protocol

Adults and Adolescents

• Standard dose: 2 inhalations as needed for acute asthma symptoms 1
• Maximum frequency: Follow similar guidelines as albuterol rescue inhalers (typically not more than 4-6 times in 24 hours) 2
• Important: Patients should continue their regular controller medications even when using Airsupra 1

Children

• Safety and efficacy data for children is limited; dosing should follow age-appropriate guidelines similar to those for albuterol nebulizer treatments 2
• For reference, standard albuterol nebulizer dosing for children is:
  • Ages 2-5 years: 0.15 mg/kg (minimum 2.5 mg) every 20 minutes for 3 doses, then 0.15-0.3 mg/kg up to 10 mg every 1-4 hours as needed 2
  • Ages 6+ years: Similar to adult dosing 2

Clinical Considerations

• Airsupra offers the advantage of providing both bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects simultaneously during an acute asthma episode 1
• This combination may be particularly beneficial for patients who experience frequent asthma exacerbations despite maintenance therapy 1
• Similar to other rescue inhalers, patients should be monitored for potential side effects including tachycardia, tremor, and potential paradoxical bronchospasm 2

Important Precautions

• Patients should be clearly instructed that Airsupra is not a replacement for their daily controller medications 1
• Excessive use of Airsupra may indicate poor asthma control and should prompt reevaluation of the patient's maintenance therapy 2
• As with all inhaled medications, proper technique is essential for effective drug delivery 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Discontinuing maintenance therapy when prescribed Airsupra - this is explicitly contraindicated 1
• Overreliance on rescue medication rather than addressing underlying poor asthma control 2
• Failure to recognize increased rescue inhaler use as a sign of worsening asthma control 2