Warnings & Recalls for Proventil HFA
Proventil HFA and Pregnancy
Proventil HFA has been assigned by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a
pregnancy Category C drug. It is
unknown whether Proventil HFA may cause harm to the fetus if taken by a pregnant woman; however, when tested in pregnant animals, there was an
increased risk of birth defects including cleft palate, and problems with the brain and skull formation. It is
not known if Proventil HFA could pass through breast-milk and cause harm to a nursing baby.
If you are
pregnant,
may become pregnant or are
breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Proventil HFA to determine if this medicine is safe to use.
General Warnings
If your condition
continues or symptoms become
worse, be sure to tell your doctor. Your asthma may be
worsening.
Call your doctor immediately, especially if side effects
increase directly after using Proventil HFA.
Do not use more than the dose prescribed by your doctor. Taking more Proventil HFA than recommended can lead to serious
heart issues and even
death.
Elderly patients may be more prone to the side effects caused by Proventil HFA.
Do not take Proventil HFA if you:
- are allergic to Proventil HFA or any ingredient used in this medication
- use a different immediate-relief sympathomimetic bronchodulator
- are under the age of 4 unless prescribed by your doctor
Let your healthcare provider know about any of the following:
- any allergies you may have
- medicines, vitamins, supplements or herbal products you use
- if you have ever had heart issues, blood vessel irregularities, high blood pressure (hypertension) or low potassium levels in the blood
- if you have a history of any condition causing seizures
- diabetes
- overactive thyroid
- kidney disease or failure
- tumor of the adrenal gland
Proventil Interactions
Avoid drinking alcohol while using Proventil HFA. When combined these drugs may cause
severe dizziness and could be unsafe during daily routines.
Proventil HFA can
alter blood sugar levels. If you have
diabetes, ask your doctor how to safely use Proventil HFA.
Be sure to
tell all healthcare providers that you are taking Proventil HFA. Also tell them about
any other medicines you are using. The following
may interact with Proventil HFA:
- diuretics
- monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
- tricyclic antidepressants
- diuretics
- catechol-omethyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors for Parkinson disease
- quick-relief bronchodilators or sympathomimetics
- stimulants
- beta-blockers
- digoxin
Proventil HFA Treatment and Use
Proventil HFA | albuterol sulfate is a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist (beta agonist) bronchodilator marketed by Schering-Plough for preventing and reducing breathing issues related to respiratory diseases and conditions such as asthma. Proventil HFA may be prescribed for:
- preventing wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing
- treating symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- preventing asthma attacks caused by exercise
How Does Proventil HFA Work?
During an asthma attack, the airways are constricted by muscles lining the passage. Proventil HFA works by interacting with beta receptors in the body and signaling the relaxation and widening of the muscles. This allows for a greater amount of air to enter the lungs when breathing.
Proventil HFA Dosage Information
Proventil HFA comes in the form of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and is approved for use in patients over the age of 4 years old. Dosage depends on the condition being treated or prevented. Ask your doctor which dose amount is right for you. Follow all instructions given to you by your doctor.
For preventing an asthma attack patients are commonly prescribed to take Proventil HFA in two sprays per dose on an as needed basis. No more than one Proventil HFA dose should be taken in 4 hours. Ask your doctor if you feel the need to use more Proventil HFA than previously prescribed.
Proventil HFA treatment to prevent an asthma attack brought on by exercise is as a two spray dose to be taken between 15 minutes and 30 minutes ahead of scheduled exercise.
To take Proventil HFA:
- spray the inhaler into the air twice to prime the pump if you have not used the inhaler within the last two weeks
- shake the canister before using
- exhale completely then hold the inhaler up to your mouth and firmly press down on the canister as you breathe in steadily. Hold your breath for several seconds before exhaling.
- rinse your mouth out with water
- wait a minimum of 60 seconds before inhaling more Proventil HFA
- clean the mouthpiece of the inhaler once every week
- Proventil HFA should be thrown away after 20o sprays
Always have Proventil HFA ready to use at the onset of an asthma attack.
Do not stop using Proventil HFA unless your doctor recommends that you end your treatment.
