ProAir (Albuterol) for COPD

The ProAir HFA brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. Generic alternatives may be available.

Overview
ProAir is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent or treat bronchospasm in people age 4 or older with reversible obstructive airway disease. ProAir is also indicated to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. ProAir may be referred to by its drug name, Albuterol. ProAir is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (SABA). ProAir is also considered a short-acting bronchodilator. ProAir is believed to work by relaxing and dilating the airways, making it easier to breathe.

How do I take it?
ProAir is taken orally using an inhaler four to six times a day, or 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. ProAir comes in two forms. ProAir HFA is an aerosol inhaler. ProAir RespiClick is a powder inhaled using the special RespiClick inhaler.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for ProAir lists common side effects including headache, dizziness, fast heartbeat, sore throat, cold symptoms, and pain. Rare but serious side effects listed for ProAir include cardiovascular problems, paradoxical bronchospasm (bronchospasm caused by taking medication), changes in blood glucose or electrolytes, and hypersensitivity reactions.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

ProAir – Teva Respiratory