Proair HFA (Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

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PROAIR HFA
(albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active ingredient of PROAIR HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol is albuterol sulfate, a racemic salt, of albuterol. Albuterol sulfate has the chemical name α1-[(tertbutylamino) methyl]-4-hydroxy-m-xylene-α,α'-diol sulfate (2:1) (salt), and has the following chemical structure:

PROAIR HFA (albuterol sulfate) Structural Formula Illustration

The molecular weight of albuterol sulfate is 576.7, and the empirical formula is (C₁₃H₂₁NO₃)₂•H₂SO₄. Albuterol sulfate is a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. Albuterol sulfate is the official generic name in the United States, and salbutamol sulfate is the World Health Organization recommended generic name. PROAIR HFA (albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol) Inhalation Aerosol is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation. It contains a microcrystalline suspension of albuterol sulfate in propellant HFA-134a (1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane) and ethanol.

Prime the inhaler before using for the first time and in cases where the inhaler has not been used for more than 2 weeks by releasing three sprays into the air, away from the face. After priming, each actuation delivers 108 mcg albuterol sulfate, from the actuator mouthpiece (equivalent to 90 mcg of albuterol base). Each canister provides 200 actuations (inhalations).

This product does not contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the propellant.

What are the possible side effects of albuterol inhalation (Accuneb, ProAir HFA, Proventil, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA)?

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing), especially after starting a new canister of this medicine;
chest pain and fast, pounding, or uneven heart beats;
tremor,...

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What are the precautions when taking albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol (Proair HFA)?

Before using albuterol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have had a serious reaction to similar drugs (such as metaproterenol, terbutaline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, heart attack), high blood pressure, seizure.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 9/14/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.