Generic name: Albuterol Inhalation Powder [ al-BYOO-ter-ole ]
Brand name: ProAir Respiclick
Drug class: Adrenergic bronchodilators

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 21, 2024.

Uses of Albuterol Inhalation Powder:

• It is used to open the airways in lung diseases where spasm may cause breathing problems.
• It is used to prevent breathing problems that happen with exercise.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Albuterol Inhalation Powder?

• If you are allergic to albuterol inhalation powder; any part of albuterol inhalation powder; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a milk allergy.
• If you are using another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with albuterol inhalation powder.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take albuterol inhalation powder with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Albuterol Inhalation Powder?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take albuterol inhalation powder. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not take more of albuterol inhalation powder or use it more often than you have been told. Deaths have happened when too much of albuterol inhalation powder was taken. Talk with your doctor.
• Call your doctor right away if your normal dose does not work well, if your signs get worse, or if you need to use albuterol inhalation powder more often than normal.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Albuterol Inhalation Powder) best taken?

Use albuterol inhalation powder as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For breathing into the lungs.
• If you are using more than 1 inhaled drug, ask the doctor which drug to use first.
• If working out or playing sports causes signs, use right before doing it.
• Follow how to clean carefully.
• Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.
• Close the device after each dose. Do not open the device unless a dose is being used.
• Do not take the device apart or wash it. Do not use it with a spacer. Do not breathe out into the device.
• Clean mouthpiece by wiping with a dry tissue or cloth. Do not wash or put in water.
• This inhaler has a dose counter to keep track of how many doses are left. Throw away the inhaler when the dose counter reaches "0," 13 months after opening the foil pouch, or after the expiration date, whichever comes first.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use albuterol inhalation powder on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times albuterol inhalation powder is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Signs of low potassium levels like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or a heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Pain when passing urine.
• Trouble passing urine.
• This medicine may sometimes cause severe breathing problems. This may be life-threatening. When this happens with an inhaler or with liquid for breathing in, most of the time it happens right after a dose and after the first use of a new canister or vial of albuterol inhalation powder. If you have trouble breathing, breathing that is worse, wheezing, or coughing, get medical help right away.

Related/similar drugs

Fasenra, prednisone, albuterol, amoxicillin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, montelukast, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone

What are some other side effects of Albuterol Inhalation Powder?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Dizziness or headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Shakiness.
• Throat irritation.
• Runny nose.
• Back pain.
• Aches and pains. Mild pain drugs may help.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Albuterol Inhalation Powder?

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Protect from cold.
• If the inhaler comes in a foil pouch, store in the foil pouch until ready for use.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about albuterol inhalation powder, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you use an expired inhaler?
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• How do you use the ProAir Digihaler?

View more FAQ

Further information

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

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