Asmol CFC-Free Inhaler (with counter) (Salbutamol Sulfate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Asmol CFC-Free Inhaler (with counter) Used For?
Asmol Inhaler contains salbutamol sulfate, which belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators. It’s often called a ‘reliever’ because it gives fast relief from chest symptoms by helping you breathe more easily.
Primary Uses
Asmol Inhaler is used for relief of bronchospasm in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and for relief against exercise-induced asthma and other stimuli known to cause bronchospasm.
How It Works
Bronchodilators relax the muscles of the small air passages in the lungs within a few minutes. This helps open the airways and makes it easier for air to get in and out of the lungs. When used regularly, it helps the small air passages remain open.
Good to know: There are other ‘preventer’ medicines that prevent wheezing or chest tightness and must be used every day. Your doctor may tell you to use a ‘preventer’ in addition to Asmol Inhaler.
How to Take Asmol CFC-Free Inhaler (with counter)
Always use Asmol Inhaler exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Asmol Inhaler should be used as required rather than regularly.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: To relieve asthma symptoms/attack, the usual dose is one or two inhalations repeated four hourly. To prevent asthma symptoms/attack, the usual dose is two puffs 10 to 15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger. Children: To relieve asthma symptoms/attack, the usual dose is one inhalation as required, repeated four hourly. The dose may be increased to two inhalations if required. To prevent asthma symptoms/attack, the usual dose is one inhalation 10 to 15 minutes before exercise or exposure to a trigger.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Asmol Inhaler should be used as required. If you forget to take a dose, don’t worry. Just take the next dose at the normal time or earlier if you become wheezy or feel tight in the chest.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. This may increase the chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- tremor, shaky or tense feeling
- feelings of anxiety, restlessness or excitability
- warm feeling or flushing
- mouth or throat irritation
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- restlessness in children
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, rash, itching, hives)
- irregular or fast heartbeat
- immediate breathing difficulties and wheezing after using the inhaler
- changes in blood potassium levels
- lactic acidosis (rapid breathing, feeling cold, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Asmol Inhaler. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Asmol CFC-Free Inhaler (with counter)
Do not use if you have an allergy to salbutamol sulfate or any of the ingredients. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. Do not use Asmol Inhaler to stop a miscarriage or premature labour.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have: thyroid problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes or high blood sugar, or if you have had to stop taking this or any other asthma medicine for any reason.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Asmol Inhaler is not usually recommended for use during pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh up the benefits to you against the potential risks to your baby. It is not known whether the ingredients can pass into breast milk. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Counter Warning: When the dose counter reading approaches zero, contact your doctor or pharmacist to get a new inhaler. Any puffs left after the counter reads 000 are not enough to give you the right dose.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Asmol Inhaler and affect how it works or make it more likely that you will have side effects.
- xanthine derivatives (such as theophylline) or steroids to treat asthma
- diuretics (water tablets) used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions
- beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions
Alcohol & Driving
Asmol Inhaler is not expected to have any effect on your ability to drive or use machines.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Asmol Inhaler is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Storage
Store Asmol Inhaler below 30°C in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep away from frost. Do not store in the bathroom, car, windowsills, or refrigerator. If the inhaler becomes very cold, warm the metal canister in your hand for a few minutes before use. Keep in a place where children cannot reach it. The metal canister is pressurised – do not expose to temperatures higher than 50°C, do not burn or puncture it, even when empty.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has used too much Asmol Inhaler, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You may notice your heart beating faster than usual, feel shaky, or have a headache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asmol Inhaler works within a few minutes by relaxing the muscles of the small air passages in the lungs, helping to open the airways and make breathing easier.
Adults can use 1-2 puffs repeated four hourly as required. Children can use 1 puff repeated four hourly, which may be increased to 2 puffs if needed. If you’re using it more than twice a week for symptoms, contact your doctor as this may indicate poorly controlled asthma.
When the counter shows 000, contact your doctor or pharmacist to get a new inhaler. Any puffs left after the counter reads zero are not enough to give you the right dose of medicine.
Clean your inhaler at least once a week. Remove the metal canister, rinse the plastic casing under warm water, dry thoroughly, then replace the canister. Never put the metal canister in water.
Asmol Inhaler is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against potential risks to your baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medicine.
If you feel the inhaler doesn’t help your breathing as much as usual, the effect doesn’t last as long as usual, or you need more puffs to get relief, call your doctor straight away as this may indicate your condition is worsening.
No, you should never give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours. Your Asmol Inhaler is only for you.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.