What is Albuterol HFA: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Albuterol sulfate HFA is the primary rescue inhaler used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema. Inhaled albuterol acts as a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), opening constricted bronchial tubes. As a bronchodilator, albuterol can rapidly relieve respiratory symptoms like cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The HFA or hydrofluoroalkane propellant inhaler is an effective, fast, and portable method of delivering the drug to the airways, or a nebulizer machine can be used to aerosolize albuterol as an alternative method of drug delivery. Rarely, oral albuterol tablets or syrup are used. Any formulation of albuterol can cause adverse effects, such as tremors, palpitations, and tachycardia (fast heart rate).
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Albuterol HFA overview
BRAND NAMES:
Ventolin HFA, ProAir RespiClick
Generic Names:
Albuterol Sulfate Hfa
Uses:
Treats or prevents bronchospasm.
Therapeutic Classes:
Bronchodilator
Forms:
Aerosol solution, nebulizer solution, aerosol powder, syrup, tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Albuterol HFA used for?
Short-acting bronchodilators are the first-line option for quick relief of asthma and COPD symptoms. Symptom relief can be achieved in minutes, or in cases of exercise-induced asthma, pretreatment with a SABA before exercise can prevent problems. Albuterol sulfate is the most commonly used SABA, and its HFA form is most popular because a treatment can be done in less than a minute using a highly portable inhaler.
Key takeaways
Remove the inhaler’s cap, shake the inhaler well, and test spray each time before use.
Exhale completely, and then put the mouthpiece in your mouth. While slowly inhaling, press down on the top of the canister to trigger the release of a dose of aerosol, and after completely breathing in, hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
A spacer or valved holding chamber can be used in conjunction with an albuterol sulfate HFA inhaler to help medication be delivered to the lungs and to eliminate the need for coordinating inhalation and triggering of the inhaler.
If albuterol sulfate HFA is needed frequently, get medical advice of a healthcare provider immediately to determine if additional treatment is needed.
What form(s) does Albuterol HFA come in
There is only one form of generic albuterol sulfate HFA, that being an aerosol inhaler. However, albuterol sulfate is available in other forms.
HFA aerosol solution
90 mcg/actuation
Breath-activated aerosol powder
90 mcg/actuation
Nebulization solution
1.25 mg/3 mL
0.083%
0.5%
Syrup
2 mg/5 mL
8 mg/20 mL
Tablet
2 mg
4 mg
What are common Albuterol HFA doses?
2 inhalations every 4 hours as needed for symptoms
2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise
Common Albuterol HFA prescriptions
Albuterol Sulfate HFA
18gm of 90mcg/act (200 inhalations) inhalerAlbuterol Sulfate HFA
6.7gm of 108 (90 base)mcg/act inhalerAlbuterol Sulfate HFA
6.7gm of 90mcg/act (200 inhalations) inhalerAlbuterol Sulfate HFA
6.7gm of 90mcg/act, 200 inhalations inhalerAlbuterol Sulfate HFA
6.7gm of 90mcg/actt (200 inhalations) inhalerAlbuterol Sulfate HFA
8.5gm of 90mcg/act (200 inhalations) inhaler
How to take Albuterol HFA
Albuterol sulfate HFA aerosol inhaler: Shake the inhaler well just before each use. Avoid spraying this medicine into your eyes. Remove the cap and look at the mouthpiece to make sure it is clean. Prime the inhaler the first time you use it. Point the inhaler away from your face. Shake it well and spray into the air 3 times. You also need to prime it when you have not used the inhaler for more than 2 weeks.
To inhale this medicine, breathe out fully, trying to get as much air out of the lungs as possible. Put the mouthpiece just in front of your mouth with the canister upright. While slowly inhaling, trigger the inhaler to release an aerosol dose and continue to inhale completely. Hold your breath for about 5 to 10 seconds, and then breathe out slowly.
If you are supposed to use more than one puff, wait 1 to 2 minutes before inhaling the second puff. Repeat these steps for the next puff, starting with shaking the inhaler.
Clean the inhaler mouthpiece at least once a week with warm running water for 30 seconds. Let it air dry completely. Do not clean the metal canister or let it get wet.
What to do if you miss a dose of Albuterol HFA
A missed dose of albuterol sulfate HFA should be taken as soon as it is remembered unless the next dose is nearly due. Do not take a double dose unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Albuterol HFA contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol, and in the case of ProAir Respiclick dry powder inhaler, do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol or milk proteins.
Albuterol HFA warnings
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or a history of seizures.
This medicine may cause increased trouble breathing right after use (paradoxical bronchospasm), which may be life-threatening.
Low potassium levels in the blood can be experienced after albuterol use.
If you use a corticosteroid medicine to control your asthma, keep using it as instructed by your doctor.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
If any of your asthma medicines do not seem to be working as well as usual, call your doctor right away. Do not change your doses or stop using your medicines without asking your doctor.
Albuterol HFA interactions
Some medicines can affect how albuterol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: digoxin, beta-blocker medicine, diuretic (water pill), medicine for depression, or an MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks. This is not a complete list of drug interactions with albuterol sulfate, so it is important to review your entire list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements with your prescribing healthcare provider and pharmacist.
Albuterol HFA side effects
Although albuterol sulfate is usually well tolerated without significant adverse effects, it is helpful to know what side effects to watch for. Tremors or throat irritation can usually be observed initially and eventually reported to the healthcare provider. More serious side effects, like chest pain, worsening respiratory symptoms, irregular heartbeat, or an allergic reaction, warrant immediate medical attention at an emergency room.
Less serious side effects
Tremors
Nervousness
Dry mouth
Muscle cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Headache
Serious side effects
Trouble breathing, cough, chest tightness
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Sources:
Albuterol sulfate HFA drug label, NIH DailyMed (2023)
Proair Respiclick drug label, NIH DailyMed (2022)
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