PROAIR HFA by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

PROAIR HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol is a relatively prescription medication selective beta2-adrenergic agonist indicated for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Ivax Laboratories, Inc., a member of Teva Group, markets PROAIR HFA.

PROAIR HFA Availability
PROAIR HFA is available as an 8.5-g canister that provides 200 actuations, with each actuation delivering 90 mcg of albuterol base from the actuator mouthpiece.

PROAIR HFA dosage
The recommended dose of PROAIR HFA in treating acute episodes of bronchospasm or prevention of asthmatic symptoms is two inhalations repeated every 4 to 6 hours. In some patients one inhalation every 4 hours may be sufficient. The usual dose for the prevention of EIB is two inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.

PROAIR HFA side effect
PROAIR HFA side events, occur at an incidence rate of 10 percent. These PROAIR HFA side effects include headache, asthma, bronchitis, and pharyngitis.

PROAIR HFA Caution
Inhaled albuterol sulfate can produce paradoxical bronchospasm that may be life threatening. It should be recognized that paradoxical bronchospasm, when associated with inhaled formulations, frequently occurs with the first use of a new canister. PROAIR HFA, as with all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorder (especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension), convulsive disorders, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Fatalities have been reported in associating with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma. Potential drug interactions can occur with beta blockers, diuretics, digoxin, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.