Airomir (Salbutamol Sulfate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Airomir Used For?
Airomir is a reliever medicine that contains salbutamol sulfate, which helps open up your airways to make breathing easier when you have asthma or other breathing difficulties.
Primary Uses
Airomir treats asthma by relieving wheezing and chest tightness. It can also help prevent breathing problems when you exercise. Your doctor may recommend taking one or two puffs before physical activity.
How It Works
Salbutamol sulfate is a direct-acting sympathomimetic agent that belongs to the beta-agonist family. It works by opening up the airways in your lungs, which relieves wheezing and the feeling of tightness in your chest, helping you breathe more easily.
Good to know: Airomir is designed to be part of a general asthma management plan. Every asthma patient is different, so ask your doctor for a personalized Asthma Management Plan.
How to Take Airomir
Airomir comes as an Autohaler device that automatically releases medication when you breathe in through the mouthpiece. Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully for proper use.
Dosage Instructions
Adults & Children: The usual dose is 1-2 puffs to relieve wheezing or before exercise. Do not use more than 16 puffs per day unless your doctor has prescribed a specific dose. Children should be supervised by a responsible adult. If new or unused for 2 weeks, test fire 2 puffs into the air first.
Proper Technique
Remove mouthpiece cover and shake well. Push lever up, breathe out fully, close lips around mouthpiece, breathe in slowly and deeply through the device. Hold breath for 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Push lever down after each puff. Replace mouthpiece cover after use.
Important: Don’t stop breathing when you hear the ‘click and whoosh’ – keep breathing in after the puff is released. Always hold the Autohaler upright and ensure your hand doesn’t block the air vent at the bottom.
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
- Minor irritation to mouth and throat
- Fine shaking in the hands
- Dizziness
- Light headedness
- Feeling tense
- Nausea
- Leg cramps
- Itching and irritation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations (when your heart beats faster and harder than normal)
- Lowering of potassium level in your blood
Important Warnings
Before using Airomir, make sure it’s safe for you by checking for allergies and discussing your medical history with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Airomir
Do not use if you are allergic to salbutamol sulfate or any ingredients. Do not use after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: heart, liver or kidney problems; diabetes; high blood pressure; thyroid gland problems; hypoxia (reduced oxygen in tissues); or any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as salbutamol sulfate can pass through the placenta and may affect your developing baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Call doctor immediately: Contact your doctor right away if your usual dose doesn’t seem to be working, isn’t lasting as long as before, or if you think your asthma is getting worse with more frequent attacks.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Airomir or be affected by it. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: You may need different amounts of your medicines or different medicines altogether. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- Medications for high blood pressure or angina
- Theophylline or any steroids
- Fluid tablets (diuretics)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness until you know how Airomir affects you, and inform your doctor about alcohol consumption.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as this information is important for your treatment plan.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Airomir affects you.
Storage
Store below 30°C and protect from heat. Keep the Autohaler with mouthpiece cover attached in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep away from children. Clean the mouthpiece weekly with warm running water and air dry thoroughly.
Overdose Information
Taking too much asthma medication can be harmful and may cause feeling tense and shaky with increased heart rate. If you think you’ve taken too much Airomir, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airomir is a reliever medicine designed to work quickly to open your airways and relieve wheezing and chest tightness. You should feel the effects shortly after inhaling the medication.
Yes, Airomir may help prevent wheezing and chest tightness when you exercise. Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to take one or two puffs before exercise.
The usual dose is 1-2 puffs to relieve wheezing or before exercise. Do not use more than 16 puffs per day unless your doctor has prescribed a specific dose for you.
Call your doctor straight away if your usual dose doesn’t seem to be working or isn’t lasting as long as before, or if you think your asthma is getting worse with more frequent attacks.
Clean your Autohaler at least once a week. Remove the canister, wash the mouthpiece under warm running water for 30 seconds, shake off excess water, and air dry thoroughly overnight before replacing the canister.
Yes, children can use Airomir with the same dosage as adults (1-2 puffs as needed), but they should be supervised by a responsible adult when using the device.
Do not use Airomir if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as the active ingredient can pass through the placenta and may affect your developing baby. Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while using Airomir.
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.