ProAir: Fast Guide to the Albuterol Rescue Inhaler

Got sudden shortness of breath or wheezing? ProAir is a common albuterol inhaler used as a quick-relief medicine for asthma and other breathing troubles. This page gives straightforward, useful tips on what ProAir does, how to use it correctly, what to watch for, and simple alternatives if ProAir isn’t right for you.

How ProAir works and when to use it

ProAir contains albuterol, a bronchodilator that relaxes tight airway muscles so you can breathe easier fast—usually within minutes. People use it during an asthma attack, before exercise if they get exercise-induced bronchospasm, or any time they feel wheezy or short of breath. It’s not a daily controller medicine; it treats symptoms, not inflammation. If you need it more than twice a week for symptoms, talk to your doctor about a controller inhaler.

How to use ProAir safely and effectively

Shake the inhaler, breathe out fully, place the mouthpiece between your lips, start breathing in slowly and press the canister once. Keep breathing in slowly for 3–5 seconds, then hold your breath for about 10 seconds if you can. Using a spacer makes this easier, especially for kids and older adults. Check the dose counter or mark the date you start a new inhaler; empty cansisters don’t give full doses and can leave you stranded during an attack.

Typical adult dose is one or two puffs every 4–6 hours as needed. Don’t exceed the maximum daily dose on the label unless your clinician advises it. If your symptoms don’t improve after using ProAir or you need increasing doses, seek medical care—your asthma may be worsening.

Common side effects are shaky hands, a fast heartbeat, nervousness, or mild headache. These usually pass in minutes. If you get chest pain, severe palpitations, severe tremor, or signs of an allergic reaction like rash or swelling, get urgent care.

Store ProAir at room temperature away from heat. Don’t freeze it. If the inhaler gets very hot (left in a car on a hot day) the pressure and dose can change—replace it if exposed to high heat. Keep a spare inhaler handy so you’re never without one.

Alternatives include other brand albuterol inhalers (Ventolin, Proventil) or generic albuterol, and for some people, nebulized albuterol delivered through a mask or mouthpiece. Over-the-counter inhalers like Primatene (epinephrine) are different and not a direct substitute; check with your clinician before using OTC options.

Quick tip: practice your inhaler technique with a pharmacist or nurse. Correct technique saves medicine and prevents flare-ups. If you find yourself relying on rescue inhalers often, ask about a personalized asthma action plan and long-term control medicines.