Proventil HFA Inhaler Uses, Benefits, and Risks

Proventil HFA is a drug known by several other common names including Albuterol HFA, Xopenex HFA, Ventolin HFA, and ProAir HFA. It is often prescribed to help prevent exercise-induced asthma attacks. Other uses include giving relief to severe asthma attacks or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd). The powder medication is delivered by inhaling it through a device at the mouth, where the powder travels down to the bronchial tubes in the lungs.

To Use

Before each use, shake the inhaler, take off the cap, and look inside the mouthpiece for anything that needs to be cleaned out. Take a deep breath and blow it out through the mouth, emptying the lungs as much as possible and close the lips around the inhaler mouthpiece.

While taking in a deep breath, press down the top of the inhaler so that the powder is released and goes as far down the respiratory tract as possible. It is important to hold that breath in for a count of ten seconds. The medicine takes up to seven minutes to begin to work, and should help for up to four or six hours.

Benefits and Cautions

This medicine relaxes muscles and opens airways so people with asthma or copd can breathe easier. Doctors and pharmacists know it as a bronchodilator. Patients like me know it as the medicine which takes the pain and weight off their chests when asthma attacks stop and relief should last four to six hours per dose. It is approved for use by children ages four to adult. Sometimes it is also used to prevent or help stop episodes of certain kinds of paralysis conditions, according to Medscape Drug Reference Information, 2011.

Before taking this or any drug, it is important to discuss medical conditions with the doctor. The doctor needs to know if the patient has high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, allergies to foods or medicines, epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid disorders or any other medical issue, so that the patient can be treated properly. No one should be taking an inappropriate medicine just because they did not communicate with the doctor. Additionally, any woman who thinks she might be pregnant or is planning pregnancy soon needs to share that information.

Some people are allergic to Proventil HFA and should not use it at all. Signs of allergic reaction may be a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling or any symptom quickly worsening. This drug is meant to help patients feel better, not worse. Get emergency help.

HFA inhalers can be expensive. Merck pharmaceutical company, the maker of Proventil HFA, is offering a $15 coupon toward the purchase of their HFA medication to make it even more accessible to patients. It can be printed from Merck's online site. Other HFA manufacturers also might offer price breaks. Some doctor clinics may have a sample available, and medicare or medicaid programs may help with paying at least part of the medicine cost.

This article is for general health information purposes only. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment from a medical professional. Always seek advice from a licensed doctor for this any any other health concern.

Sources

Drugs.com
Medscape.com
FDA.com Q&A