AIRSUPRA Dosing Frequency
AIRSUPRA can be taken as needed with a maximum of 12 inhalations in 24 hours, which translates to a minimum interval of 2 hours between doses if using the maximum daily amount, though the FDA label does not specify a strict minimum interval between individual doses. 1
FDA-Approved Dosing Parameters
The FDA label explicitly states that AIRSUPRA is used as 2 inhalations as needed, with a maximum of 12 inhalations (6 doses of 2 puffs each) in a 24-hour period. 1
AIRSUPRA is specifically indicated as a rescue inhaler to treat or prevent asthma symptoms and to help prevent sudden severe breathing problems, not as maintenance therapy. 1
The label does not establish a fixed minimum time interval (such as every 4 hours) between doses, instead emphasizing the "as needed" nature with a daily maximum cap. 1
Clinical Context from Traditional Bronchodilator Guidelines
For standard albuterol inhalers (without the ICS component), guidelines recommend dosing every 4-6 hours as needed for routine use, with more frequent dosing (every 1-4 hours) reserved for acute exacerbations in hospitalized patients. 2, 3
In acute severe asthma, nebulized beta-agonists can be given as frequently as every 20 minutes for the first hour, then every 1-4 hours depending on response, but this represents emergency management in monitored settings. 4, 2
For COPD exacerbations, nebulized bronchodilators should be given 4-6 hourly for 24-48 hours or until clinical improvement occurs. 5
Critical Safety Considerations
If you require AIRSUPRA more frequently than every 4 hours on a regular basis, this signals inadequate asthma control and necessitates immediate reassessment of your maintenance controller therapy. 4, 2
Patients needing rescue medication more than twice weekly should have their controller medications initiated or adjusted, as frequent rescue inhaler use indicates poor disease control. 2
The need for 2-hourly dosing indicates severe disease not responding adequately to standard treatment and places patients at high risk for respiratory failure requiring hospital admission. 4
Practical Answer to Your Question
While AIRSUPRA can technically be used every 4 hours (which would be 6 doses or 12 puffs in 24 hours, at the maximum allowed), this frequency of use should raise immediate concern about disease control. The medication is designed for "as needed" use with symptom-driven dosing, not scheduled every-4-hour administration. 1