Proair HFA

If you suffer from airway spasms or asthma attacks, your healthcare provider may prescribe Proair HFA. An environmentally friendly albuterol inhaler, Proair HFA is used to treat or prevent airway spasms, as well as to prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks. The drug works by opening up the airways and allowing more air to get into and through the lungs. Some people take Proair HFA only when they need it (during an asthma attack), while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks. Side effects of Proair HFA can include an irritated throat, headaches, and a runny nose.

 

What Is Proair HFA?

Proair HFA® (albuterol inhaler) is a prescription medication used to treat or prevent airway spasms (called bronchospasms). Bronchospasms are most common in people with asthma, but can also occur in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Proair HFA is also approved to prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks.
 
Unlike older inhalers, Proair HFA is an environmentally friendly albuterol inhaler.
 
(Click Proair HFA Uses for more information on what Proair HFA is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Proair HFA?

Proair HFA is made by Ivax Laboratories.
 

How Does Proair HFA Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. However, during an asthma attack, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called a bronchospasm.
 
Proair HFA is part of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
 
Proair HFA also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;