ProAir (albuterol sulfate) is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent bronchospasm (tightening of the airways). ProAir can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include headache and sore throat.

Specifically, ProAir is used in adults and certain children to:

  • treat and prevent bronchospasm (tightened airways) if a person has an obstructive airway disease that’s reversible
  • prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise

The active ingredient in ProAir is albuterol sulfate. The drug comes in three forms. Each comes with an inhaler device to breathe the medication into your lungs.

Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects that ProAir can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Below are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people in ProAir studies. These side effects can vary depending on what form of the drug is used.

More common side effects in people taking ProAir Respiclick include:

More common side effects in people taking ProAir HFA include:

Mild side effects have been reported with ProAir. These side effects can vary depending on what form of the drug is used.

Mild side effects of ProAir Respiclick include:

Mild side effects of ProAir HFA include:

  • headache
  • general pain
  • dizziness
  • sore throat
  • chest pain
  • diarrhea
  • nervousness
  • tremor*
  • ear pain
  • UTI

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop ProAir treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

ProAir may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the prescribing information for ProAir Respiclick and ProAir HFA for details.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Serious side effects have been reported with all three forms of ProAir. These include:

  • paradoxical bronchospasm*
  • heart problems, including increases in heart rate and blood pressure
  • hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood)

If you develop serious side effects while using ProAir, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with ProAir, visit MedWatch.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, ProAir can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue ProAir treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to ProAir, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

How do side effects of ProAir in children compare with side effects seen in adults?

ProAir is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm in children ages 4 years and older. It may also be used to prevent bronchospasm caused by exercise in children ages 4 years and older.

In studies of ProAir HFA, side effects reported in children were similar to those reported in adults.

In studies of ProAir Respiclick, side effects reported in children were different from those reported in adults. The most commonly reported side effects in children include the common cold, throat and mouth pain, and vomiting. The most common side effects reported in adults include pain, stomach flu, sinus headache, and UTI.

To learn more about how the side effects compare between children and adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does ProAir cause long-term side effects?

It’s unlikely. Long-term side effects weren’t reported in studies of ProAir Respiclick and ProAir HFA.

If you’re concerned about possible long-term side effects from ProAir, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn more about some of the side effects ProAir may cause.

Paradoxical bronchospasm

Paradoxical bronchospasm was a side effect reported in studies of ProAir Respiclick and ProAir HFA. Paradoxical bronchospasm is a sudden, unexpected tightening of the airways. While ProAir is supposed to open up your airways, there are times when they may tighten after inhaling a dose.

Symptoms may include:

What might help

If you experience paradoxical bronchospasm during ProAir treatment, talk with your doctor or get emergency medical help right away. They can give you treatment to open up your airways. They’ll also likely recommend that you stop taking ProAir.

Tremors

Tremors were a common side effect reported in studies of ProAir Respiclick and ProAir HFA. Tremors are an uncontrollable movement of the body. In most cases, tremors become less frequent a few days to weeks after starting ProAir.

What might help

If you develop tremors while taking ProAir, talk with your doctor. They can discuss ways to manage the tremors. If your tremors are severe or aren’t going away, your doctor may recommend that you switch to an alternative medication.

Keeping track of side effects

During your ProAir treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how ProAir affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Below is important information you should consider before taking ProAir.

Warnings

ProAir can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether ProAir is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take ProAir. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.