It all depends on how you use a medicine in order to avoid any side effects and interactions. Therefore, when you wish to take Proventil you must know the right way to use it especially the HFA aerosol with adapter. This will ensure that you do not encounter any side effects and the medicine does not interact with others that you may need to take daily. 

  • This medicine contains Albuterol which is also known as salbutamol and is used to treat and prevent wheezing and shortness of breath. These are caused by your underlying breathing problems such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 
  • This medicine is also very effective to treat and prevent asthma that is usually associated with and brought on by exercise. 

Typically, Proventil is a drug that will provide you with quick relief from such symptoms. This is because the Albuterol content in it belongs to a specific class of drugs called the bronchodilators. This works on the airways in your nasal cavity and throat and relaxes the muscles surrounding it. This opens up the breathing passages providing you comfort while you breathe. 

How to use 

When you use Proventil HFA aerosol with adapter you must first go through the Patient Information Leaflet that usually comes with the pack before you start using this medicine. This should be done every time you get a refill. This will allow you to know the directions illustrated to ensure that you use the product properly. It will also help you to know the right ways to clean the mouthpiece. 

  • Once you are done with it, shake the canister well before you use it. You may have to make a few test sprays in the air especially if you are using it for the first time. Follow the instructions given for such test sprays. 
  • Test sprays are also necessary if the canister was not used for more than two weeks or if the inhaler was dropped accidentally. Check for a fine mist of medication in the air which is the clear indication that the canister as well as the inhaler is working properly. Do not ever test the medicine on your nose or eyes. 
  • Inhale the medication always by your mouth as directed by your doctor. You may have to inhale it after every 4 to 6 hours as required. The dosage is primarily determined based on your health and medical condition as well as your response to the treatment. 
  • Never increase the dose or use this medicine more often than recommended on the label unless your doctor suggests you. If you use too much of the medicine it may lead to serious side effects and may be fatal ones as well. If you are using it to prevent asthma due to exercise, inhale only 2 puffs 15 to 30 minutes before exercise or as directed by your doctor.
  • Always use a spacer device as recommended with this medication. You may also ask your doctor for more information. If you need two inhalations as prescribed make sure you space the two by at least one minute. If you are using other inhalers as well at the same time you must leave a gap of one minute between two different types of medications.

Keep this inhaler handy for quick relief and also keep a track of the number of inhalations you have taken. His is important because you will need to discard the inhaler or the canister after the labeled number of inhalations on the bottle has been consumed. Make sure you count the test sprays used as well so that you can prime the inhaler.

It is advised that you know the types of inhalers that you will use every day as the controller drugs and the ones that you will use as quick relief drugs if suddenly your breathing worsens. 

Also ask your doctor well ahead of time regarding what you should do if there are situations like:

  • It is a new or worsening cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased sputum
  • Wheezing
  • Worsening peak flow meter readings
  • Waking up at night with problems in breathing
  • Using the quick relief inhaler more than 2 days a week and 
  • Your quick relief inhaler is not working well. 

You must always take help of the doctor to know when you can treat your breathing problems by yourself and when to get medical help right away if situations worsen all of a sudden. Also tell your doctor if the symptoms do not improve or worsen.

About the side effects

Improper use of Albuterol or overdose can result in side effects. Though most of these are minor, there may be a few major ones as well. The most common side effects are:

  • Nervousness
  • Tremor
  • Headache
  • Mouth or throat dryness
  • Irritation
  • Cough
  • Changes in taste
  • Nausea and 
  • Dizziness.

Most people using this medication usually do not experience any of these as a serious side effect. However, in case of rise in blood pressure or fast heartbeat you must get medical help right away just as you should when you experience chest pain, rapid breathing, and confusion.

It is very rare that this medication has resulted in a serious allergic reaction but you should make sure that you stay in constant touch with your doctor. Most importantly, you should make sure that you buy this medication from reliable stores such as RXShopMD.com only. 

Also make sure that you take proper precautions to avert the interactions because this product contains several inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems if you are not careful while using it.

Any drug interactions may change the effect of this medicine and in turn increase your risk for a serious side effect. Therefore, make sure that you keep a list of all the drugs that you take on a regular basis whether it is prescription or nonprescription drugs or any herbal products. Most importantly, no not start, stop, or change any drug or dosage of this medicine without the approval of your doctor.