Proventil HFA
Generic Name:
Albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol
Brand Names:
Proventil HFA, Proventil
Proventil HFA Description:
Proventil HFA is an inhaled medication that is prescribed for adults and children 4 years of age and older with asthma for the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm. Proventil HFA can also be used to prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks.
Proventil HFA is available as a canister containing approximately 200 metered-doses. The medication is delivered into the lungs by hydrofluoroalkane (HFA), a substance used in place of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that were banned in 2008 in inhaled aerosol medications due to the potential for environmental damage.
Proventil HFA Side Effects:
If your asthma symptoms suddenly become worse during treatment with Proventil HFA or when switching to a new canister of Proventil HFA, stop treatment and contact a doctor immediately, as this could indicate the development of a dangerous reaction called paradoxical bronchospasm.
For more information, see our Proventil HFA side effects page.
Proventil HFA Uses:
Proventil HFA is an inhaled albuterol medication that is taken every 4 to 6 hours to relax the smooth muscles in the airways and prevent asthma attacks. Asthma attacks, or bronchospasms, occur when the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles (airways) constrict, which narrows the airway and causes wheezing and difficulty breathing. Proventil HFA can also treat bronchospasm caused by exercise.
Proventil HFA Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with Proventil HFA, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with Proventil HFA, as interactions may occur:
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
- Heart medications including beta-blockers (beta-adrenergic-receptor blocking agents)
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Talk with your doctor before using other inhaled medications or asthma treatments while taking Proventil HFA.
Proventil HFA Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Shake the Proventil HFA canister well before using. Before first use (and when the medication has not been used for more than two weeks), prime the inhaler by releasing four test sprays into the air.
The typical dosage of Proventil HFA for the prevention of bronchospasms is two inhalations given every 4 to 6 hours. The inhaler should not be used more frequently than is prescribed, due to the risk of worsened asthma symptoms or overdose.
For exercise-induced asthma, two inhalations are given 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
Missing a Dose of Proventil HFA
If you miss a dose of Proventil HFA, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Proventil HFA Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Excessive use of Proventil HFA or other inhaled sympathomimetic drugs in patients with asthma has been shown to cause cardiac arrest (heart attack) and even death in some cases. Signs of overdose include seizures, chest pain, fast heart rate (as high as 200 beats per minute), nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia.
Proventil HFA FDA Approval:
August 15, 1996
Proventil HFA Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are currently no Black Box warnings on Proventil HFA.
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March 5, 2010, 9:38 am
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March 4, 2010, 9:08 am
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March 2, 2010, 5:46 pm
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March 1, 2010, 1:00 pm
