What Is AirDuo? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

AirDuo RespiClick was one of the most widely prescribed asthma maintenance inhalers in the United States before its discontinuation in July 2025. If you've been prescribed AirDuo or are being switched to its authorized generic, this complete guide will help you understand what the medication is, how to use it correctly, and what your options are in 2026.

What Is AirDuo RespiClick?

AirDuo RespiClick (generic name: fluticasone propionate / salmeterol) was a fixed-dose combination inhaler manufactured by Teva Respiratory. It combined two types of asthma medication:

• Fluticasone propionate — an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) that reduces airway inflammation
• Salmeterol — a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) that relaxes airway muscles and keeps airways open for up to 12 hours

It was delivered through the RespiClick inhaler — a breath-activated, multidose dry powder inhaler (MDPI) that required no priming, no shaking, and no coordination between pressing and breathing. The device loaded a dose automatically when you opened the cap and released it when you inhaled.

What Is AirDuo Used For?

AirDuo RespiClick and its authorized generic are FDA-approved for:

• Maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents (age 12 and older) whose asthma is not adequately controlled on an inhaled corticosteroid alone, or whose disease severity warrants combination ICS/LABA therapy

AirDuo is NOT a rescue inhaler and cannot be used to treat an acute asthma attack or sudden shortness of breath. Always carry a short-acting bronchodilator (like albuterol) for emergency use.

AirDuo Dosage and Strengths

AirDuo RespiClick and the authorized generic come in three strengths (fluticasone/salmeterol mcg per dose):

• 55 mcg/14 mcg — for patients with less severe asthma or those new to ICS therapy
• 113 mcg/14 mcg — medium dose, most commonly prescribed
• 232 mcg/14 mcg — highest dose, for patients with greater asthma severity

The standard dose is 1 inhalation twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart (typically morning and evening). Each inhaler provides 60 doses — a 30-day supply at the standard regimen. The maximum recommended dose is 232 mcg/14 mcg twice daily.

How to Use the RespiClick Inhaler Correctly

Correct technique is essential for getting the full benefit of the medication:

1. Hold the inhaler upright and open the yellow cap until it clicks — this loads the dose. Do NOT open it until you are ready to inhale.
2. Breathe out fully (away from the inhaler mouthpiece).
3. Place lips firmly around the mouthpiece and inhale quickly and deeply.
4. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
5. Close the yellow cap after each use.
6. Rinse your mouth with water (do not swallow) to prevent oral thrush.

Important: The medication is delivered as a very fine dry powder. You may not feel or taste it — this is normal. Do NOT take an extra dose if you don't notice the powder. Do NOT use a spacer with this inhaler.

When Can Patients Expect to Feel Results?

Some improvement in breathing can occur within 15 minutes of the first dose. However, maximum asthma control may not be achieved for 1 week or more of twice-daily use. If symptoms are not improving after 2 weeks, your doctor may increase the strength.

What Is Available in 2026?

The AirDuo RespiClick brand was discontinued in July 2025. The authorized generic — Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Inhalation Powder (MDPI) by Teva — is still available in 2026 in the same three strengths, using the same inhaler device. Equivalent alternatives include Advair Diskus/HFA and Wixela Inhub (different device) and other ICS/LABA combinations like Symbicort and Breo Ellipta.

To find fluticasone/salmeterol at a pharmacy near you, use medfinder. To understand how the medication works at a biological level, read our guide to AirDuo's mechanism of action.