ProAir HFA
Generic name: albuterol inhalation [ al-BUE-ter-ol ]
Brand names: ProAir Digihaler, ProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, Ventolin HFA
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators
What is ProAir HFA?
Albuterol inhalers are used in adults and children at least 4 years old to to treat or prevent narrowing and swelling inside the lungs (bronchospasm) that may cause breathing problems. Albuterol inhalers are also used to prevent breathing problems while exercising.
ProAir HFA solution is used to treat acute bronchospasm attacks in children at least 2 years old with asthma.
ProAir HFA may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
ProAir HFA side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
ProAir HFA may increase the risk of asthma-related death or hospitalization. Use only the prescribed dose and follow all instructions for safe use.
ProAir HFA may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using ProAir HFA;
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chest pain, fast heart rate, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
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severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears;
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high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
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low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common side effects of ProAir HFA may include:
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chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
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pain and burning when you urinate;
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upset stomach, vomiting;
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dizziness;
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tremors or shaking, nervousness;
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headache, back pain, body aches; or
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cough, sore throat, sinus pain, runny or stuffy nose.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ProAir HFA if you are allergic to ProAir HFA.
Do not use ProAir HFA powder (ProAir RespiClick or ProAir Digihaler) if you are allergic to lactose or milk proteins.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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heart problems, high blood pressure;
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a thyroid disorder;
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seizures;
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if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine;
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diabetes; or
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low blood levels of potassium.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of albuterol inhalation on the baby.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether ProAir HFA will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of preventing bronchospasm may outweigh any risks to the baby.
Do not allow a young child to use ProAir HFA without help from an adult.
How should I use ProAir HFA?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not use the medicine more often than prescribed.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
The effects of albuterol inhalation last about 4 to 6 hours. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, use this medicine 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. Talk with your doctor if you need to time your dosing around any planned activities.
Read and carefully follow any instructions for preparing and using the medicine for the first time and for following doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your dose or stop using asthma medication without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if your medicine seems to stop working.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Keep the cover on your inhaler closed when not in use. Store away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.
Do not take apart an inhaler device, wash, or put any part of your inhaler in water. Follow all storage and cleaning instructions provided with your inhaler. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely. Always use the new inhaler device provided.
Store unused albuterol solution vials in the foil pouch at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.
ProAir HFA solution is stable for only a certain number of days or weeks after being removed from the foil pouch. Throw away any medicine not used within that time. Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of albuterol can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, tremors, chest pain, fast heartbeats, nausea, general ill feeling, seizure, feeling light-headed or fainting.
What should I avoid while using ProAir HFA?
Avoid using other fast-acting rescue medications or asthma medications with ProAir HFA unless you doctor tells you to.
Avoid getting ProAir HFA in your eyes.
What other drugs will affect ProAir HFA?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
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any other inhaled medicines or bronchodilators such as ipratropium o tiotropium;
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digoxin;
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a diuretic ("water pill")
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an antidepressant--amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, and others;
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a beta blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others; or
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an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ProAir HFA, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Popular FAQ
ProAir Digihaler vs Respiclick, what's the difference?
ProAir Digihaler and ProAir Respiclick both come as breath-activated, dry powder inhalers, but the Digihaler has built-in sensors to help capture your inhaler usage data on an app. You can share this data with your doctor if you choose. Respiclick does not have digital capability to share inhaler data. Continue reading
Can you use an expired inhaler?
An albuterol inhaler should be discarded after it passes its expiration date. It should be thrown out even sooner if it has been 13 months since it was removed from its foil packaging. Continue reading
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More about ProAir HFA (albuterol)
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- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: adrenergic bronchodilators
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
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Professional resources
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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