ProAir HFA (Albuterol) is a prescription asthma medication. It is used to treat or prevent airway spasms, as well as prevent exercise-induced asthma. Part of a class of asthma drugs known as beta-adrenergic receptor agonists (beta agonists for short), it works by opening up the lung airways and allowing more air to get into and through the lungs. Unlike older Albuterol inhalers, ProAir HFA is environmentally friendly.

Priming your ProAir HFA:

You must prime the inhaler to get the right amount of medicine. Prime the asthma proAir inhaler before you use it for the first time or if you have not used it for more than 14 days. To prime the inhaler, take the cap off the mouthpiece of the actuator. Then shake the inhaler well and spray it into the air away from your face. Shake and spray the proAir inhaler like this 2 more times to finish priming it. 

Generally, the type of inhalation therapy administered depends upon the stage and type of the respiratory disorder. Usually, oxygen therapy is given to patients in the advanced stages of COPD as decrease in oxygen levels is indicated in blood.

Check each time to make sure the inhaler canister fits firmly in the plastic actuator. Also look into the mouthpiece to make sure there are no foreign objects there, especially if the cap is not being used to cover the mouthpiece.

When to replace your ProAir HFA:

• Before you reach 200 sprays, you should refill your prescription or ask your doctor if you need another prescription for ProAir HFA.
• Throw the inhaler away when you have used 200 sprays. You should not keep using the inhaler after 200 sprays even though the canister may not be completely empty because you cannot be sure you will receive any inhaled medicine.
• Do not use the inhaler after the expiration date, which is on the packaging it comes in.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON PRESERVING PROAIR INHALER

• It is very important to keep the plastic actuator clean so the medicine will not build up and block the spray.
• Do not try to clean the metal canister or let it get wet. The inhaler may stop spraying if it is not cleaned correctly.
• Wash the actuator at least once a week.
• The medication comes in a metered-dose inhaler (called an "MDI").
• Some people take ProAir HFA only when they need it (during an asthma attack), while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks.
• You should "prime" each inhaler before your first use of it, or if you have not used it for two weeks or more.
• To prime the inhaler, spray it into the air three times.