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ProAir HFA Side Effects

Generic name: albuterol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 30, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about albuterol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name ProAir HFA.

Applies to albuterol: oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release. Other dosage forms:

Serious side effects of ProAir HFA

Along with its needed effects, albuterol (the active ingredient contained in ProAir HFA) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking albuterol:

More common

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects of ProAir HFA

Some side effects of albuterol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to albuterol: compounding powder, inhalation aerosol, inhalation aerosol with adapter, inhalation capsule, inhalation powder, inhalation solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are: Taste alteration (bad, unpleasant and unusual taste), mouth and throat irritation, fine tremor (usually of the hands), nausea, sweating, restlessness, headache and dizziness. These undesirable effects may subside on continuation of treatment.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Peripheral vasodilation, increase in heart rate

Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations, tachycardia, pallor

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, extra systoles)

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiovascular collapse, thrombopenia

Frequency not reported: Angina, hypertension, hypotension, flushing[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 18.8%), tremor (up to 24.2%), excitement (up to 20%), nervousness (up to 15%)

Common (1% to 10%): Migraine, dizziness, shakiness, hyperkinesia, emotional lability

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Somnolence, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, irritability

Frequency not reported: Central nervous system stimulation[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Skin/Appendage Infection (1.7%), pruritus, rash, erythema, urticaria, angioedema, sweating[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Gastroenteritis, nausea, oropharyngeal pain, vomiting, increased appetite

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epigastric pain, stomach ache, loss of appetite

Rare (less than 0.1%): Sore mouth

Frequency not reported: Oropharyngeal edema, throat irritation, altered taste, glossitis, tongue ulceration, gagging, drying or irritation of the oropharynx[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection

Rare (less than 0.1%): Nephritis

Frequency not reported: Difficulty in micturition[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction

Very rare (less than 0.01%): angioedema, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension and collapse[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Lymphadenopathy[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Application site reaction (mouth and throat irritation, burning sensation of the tongue)

Frequency not reported: Slight pain or stinging (IM injection)[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, muscles cramps

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Fine tremor (particularly of hands)

Frequency not reported: Myoclonus[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Cold symptoms, flue syndrome, pain, pyrexia, hyperactivity, excitement

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis, fatigue, otitis media,

Frequency not reported: Weakness[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Tenseness

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sleepiness, sleep disturbance

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hallucinations

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Insomnia[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Asthma exacerbation (13%), chest pain, bronchitis, sinus headache, upper respiratory infection, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, cough

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Paradoxical bronchospasm, bronchospasm

Frequency not reported: Aggravated bronchospasm, asthma exacerbation, chest discomfort, pulmonary edema[Ref]

Ocular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dilated pupils, conjunctivitis[Ref]

Metabolic

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, increase of insulin, free fatty acids, glycerol and ketone bodies

Postmarketing reports: Metabolic acidosis, lactic acidosis[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.