Proair Dosage Information: Discussing Strengths, Forms, Uses, and More
In the world of respiratory health, Proair is a well-known brand-name drug used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in adults and some children. This article aims to provide a clear and concise guide on how Proair is used, its dosage, and safety considerations.
Proair comes in three forms: Proair HFA (metered-dose inhaler), Proair Respiclick (dry powder inhaler), and Proair Digihaler (dry powder inhaler with an electrical connection). All forms contain a strength of 90 micrograms (mcg) per inhalation.
The dosage of Proair prescribed by a doctor can depend on the type and severity of the condition being treated, as well as other medical conditions the patient may have. For treating or preventing bronchospasm in children older than 4 years, ProAir HFA is typically dosed as 1-2 inhalations every 4-6 hours, not exceeding a total of 12 inhalations per 24 hours.
For younger children, dosage varies by formulation and weight. For instance, oral albuterol syrup dosage for children aged 2 to 5 years is often weight-based at approximately 0.6 mg/kg/day, not exceeding 12 mg/day orally. Nebulized solutions are recommended not to exceed 4 doses per day (10 mg/day) for this age group. Safety and dosing for children under 1 year have not been well established.
Proair is meant to be used as a long-term treatment only when needed to prevent or treat bronchospasm, and you likely won't need to use it every day. It can also be used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in children ages 4 years and older, with the same recommended dosage as adults. The typical dosage for adults to help prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise is 2 puffs taken 15-30 minutes before exercising.
It is crucial to use the inhaler only as prescribed and monitor closely for any side effects such as fast heart rate, nervousness, or headache. Overdosing, especially in children under 6, can lead to toxicity signs including tremors, hypokalemia, and cardiac arrhythmia, so maximum doses must be respected.
Proair is approved by the FDA to prevent or treat bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease and to prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise. However, it's important to note that Proair may be prescribed off-label for breathing problems related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), but the drug's manufacturer does not provide recommended dosages for this use.
Always follow the dosage prescribed by a doctor, and never change the dosage without their recommendation. In case of an overdose, call a doctor immediately, or use the America's Poison Centers hotline at 800-222-1222 or its online tool. If severe symptoms occur, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Remember, this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult a doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. For more detailed information about Proair, refer to additional articles on the medication, its side effects, and details about bronchospasm.
[1] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Asthma Care for the School-Aged Child. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma-care-school-aged-child [2] American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2021). Albuterol. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/drugs/albuterol [3] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Albuterol. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682333.html [4] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). ProAir HFA. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021365s054lbl.pdf [5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Albuterol inhaler side effects. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/albuterol-inhalation/side-effects/drg-20067634
- The drug Proair, often used in respiratory health, comes in three forms: Proair HFA, Proair Respiclick, and Proair Digihaler, each containing a strength of 90 micrograms per inhalation.
- Proair is utilized to control or prevent bronchospasm in certain adults and children, and its dosage can depend on the specific medical condition and other health complications.
- For children older than 4 years with COPD, ProAir HFA is typically dosed as 1-2 inhalations every 4-6 hours for treating or preventing bronchospasm, but for younger children, dosage varies by formulation and weight.
- Proair may be used for preventing exercise-induced bronchospasm in children ages 4 years and older, with the same recommended dosage as adults, and it's crucial to adhere to the guidelines provided by the doctor to ensure proper usage and safety.
