Proair
Proair is a quick-relief (rescue) inhaler containing albuterol sulfate, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways to improve airflow and make breathing easier during acute asthma attacks or bronchospasms.
Dosage by Body Weight
For adults and children aged 4 years and older, the standard dose for acute bronchospasm is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm, take 2 inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise. Use of a spacer device is recommended for children and individuals with coordination difficulties.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed by a specialist
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and effectiveness in infants under 15-30 days or below 5 kg have not been established. A nebulizer is preferred over an HFA inhaler if treatment is necessary.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routinely recommended
- Frequency
- Consult a pediatrician
- Tracking Notes
- Metered-dose inhalers are rarely used in this weight range. If prescribed, must be administered via a spacer with a tight-fitting infant face mask.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 1 inhalation (90 mcg)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Use only under direct pediatric supervision. Always use a valved holding chamber (spacer) with a pediatric face mask.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 1 to 2 inhalations (90 - 180 mcg)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Requires pediatric spacer with mask or mouthpiece depending on the child's ability to coordinate inhalation.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 2 inhalations (180 mcg)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Standard pediatric rescue dose. Ensure proper inhalation technique; using a spacer is highly recommended.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed by a specialist | Safety and effectiveness in infants under 15-30 days or below 5 kg have not been established. A nebulizer is preferred over an HFA inhaler if treatment is necessary. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routinely recommended | Consult a pediatrician | Metered-dose inhalers are rarely used in this weight range. If prescribed, must be administered via a spacer with a tight-fitting infant face mask. |
| 8-10 kg | 1 inhalation (90 mcg) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Use only under direct pediatric supervision. Always use a valved holding chamber (spacer) with a pediatric face mask. |
| 11-15 kg | 1 to 2 inhalations (90 - 180 mcg) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Requires pediatric spacer with mask or mouthpiece depending on the child's ability to coordinate inhalation. |
| 16-20 kg | 2 inhalations (180 mcg) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Standard pediatric rescue dose. Ensure proper inhalation technique; using a spacer is highly recommended. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease (such as asthma) and prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Generic Name
Albuterol sulfateScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.