How It Works
ProAir RespiClick works by relaxing the smooth muscles that surround the bronchial tubes in your lungs. During an asthma flare-up or after exercise, these muscles can tighten, narrowing the airways and making it difficult to breathe. Albuterol sulfate targets specific receptors in the lungs called beta-2 receptors.
When you inhale the powder, the medicine binds to these receptors and signals to the airway muscles to relax and dilate. This process, known as bronchodilation, opens the airways and allows air to flow freely. This effect usually begins within minutes of inhalation.
By widening these passages, the medication can help relieve chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing associated with bronchospasm.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | ProAir RespiClick |
| Drug Class | Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) / Bronchodilator |
| Generic Status | Generic version not available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
The effectiveness of ProAir RespiClick depends on proper technique and adherence to your doctor’s schedule.
- Sudden symptoms: For acute wheezing or shortness of breath, the typical dose is two inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Exercise prevention: To prevent symptoms during physical activity, providers usually recommend two inhalations 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
- Maximum usage: It’s generally advised that you don’t exceed the dose your doctor recommends. Work with your doctor if you find you need your rescue inhaler more often than usual.
Unlike aerosol inhalers, standard guidelines state that you do not need to prime ProAir RespiClick by spraying it into the air. You can open the cap until you hear a click to load the dose. Breathe in fast and deep to ensure the powder reaches your lungs. Standard guidelines advise keeping the cap closed when not in use to protect the medicine from moisture.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
Pro-Air RespiClick is FDA-approved for:
- Acute bronchospasm: Treating or preventing the sudden narrowing of airways in people with reversible obstructive airway disease, such as asthma.
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm: Preventing breathing difficulties that may occur during or after physical exertion.
Off-Label Uses
You may see ProAir RespiClick prescribed for uses that are not FDA-approved. This is a common and legal practice called off-label prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
ProAir RespiClick may be prescribed for the following conditions:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups: While not the primary treatment, doctors may use albuterol to relieve sudden breathing difficulties in patients with COPD.
- Bronchitis: It is sometimes prescribed to open airways and clear mucus in adults with acute or chronic bronchitis.
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Side Effects
Like all medications, ProAir RespiClick can cause side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Sore throat or throat irritation
- Runny nose or sinus pain
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Shakiness or tremors (particularly in the hands)
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nervousness or anxiety
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur.
It’s generally recommended to stop taking the medication and immediately call the doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Paradoxical bronchospasm: In rare cases, inhaling the medicine can cause your airways to tighten suddenly. Providers recommend seeking immediate medical attention if your breathing gets worse after use.
- Heart issues: It’s generally advised that you contact your doctor right away if you experience chest pain or an irregular heart rhythm.
- Low potassium levels: Excessive use can cause blood potassium levels to drop, which may lead to muscle weakness or changes in heart rhythm.
- Severe allergic reactions: Providers advise monitoring for hives, facial or throat swelling, or a severe rash.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Breathe in Quickly
Unlike hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) mist inhalers that require a slow breath, dry powder inhalers like RespiClick require a quick, deep inhalation to pull the powder into your lungs.
Do Not Use a Spacer
It’s generally accepted that ProAir RespiClick cannot be used with a spacer or holding chamber. These devices are only meant for aerosol (mist) inhalers.
Keep it Dry
Standard guidelines don’t recommend washing the inhaler with water or using a wet cloth. If the mouthpiece is dirty, it’s generally advised that you wipe it with a dry cloth or tissue. Moisture can cause the powder inside to clump, preventing it from working.
Avoid Exhalation Into the Device
Doctors advise exhaling fully before placing the inhaler in your mouth. Exhaling into the device can introduce moisture to the powder.
Check the Counter
Each inhaler has a dose counter. It is generally recommended to request a refill when the counter reaches 20.
Store it Upright
Providers recommend keeping your inhaler at room temperature and ensuring the cap is clicked shut after every use.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interfere with how albuterol works or increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
Notify your doctor if you take any of the following:
- Beta-blockers: Medications that treat high blood pressure or heart conditions (such as metoprolol or carvedilol) can block the effects of albuterol and may cause airway narrowing.
- Diuretics: Water pills can lower potassium levels, and using them with albuterol may cause potassium to drop further.
- Antidepressants: Certain older antidepressants, like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), may increase the risk of heart side effects if used within two weeks of albuterol.
- Digoxin: Albuterol may decrease the levels of the heart medication digoxin in your blood.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Why doesn’t this inhaler spray a mist like my old one?
ProAir RespiClick is a dry powder inhaler. It does not use the liquid propellants found in older mist inhalers. Instead, it relies on the force of your breath to deliver the medicine.
Did I get the medication if I didn’t feel anything go into my lungs?
The powder particles in this inhaler are fine. You may not feel, taste, or see the powder as you inhale it. As long as you heard the click when opening the cap and took a deep, fast breath, you likely received the dose.
Can I use a spacer or chamber with ProAir RespiClick?
No. Spacers are designed to capture mist from aerosol inhalers, allowing it to be inhaled slowly. Dry powder inhalers, such as the RespiClick, require a direct, forceful inhalation and will not work with a spacer.
Why does my doctor advise against washing this inhaler with water?
Water and humidity can cause the dry powder inside the device to clump together. If the powder clumps, the device will not deliver the correct dose of medicine. Providers recommend using a dry tissue to clean the mouthpiece if needed.
Is ProAir RespiClick safe if I have a severe milk protein allergy?
ProAir RespiClick contains lactose, which may contain small amounts of milk proteins. While it is generally safe for people with lactose intolerance, patients with severe, life-threatening milk protein allergies should discuss alternatives with their doctor.
Can I use this inhaler if I am having a sudden asthma attack?
Yes. ProAir RespiClick is a rescue inhaler designed to work within minutes to open your airways during an asthma attack or a sudden bout of wheezing.
Why do I have to breathe in fast and deep instead of slow and steady?
The powder needs high airflow to be pulled out of the device and deep into your lungs. A slow breath may leave the medicine on your tongue or in the back of your throat instead of your airways.
What happens if I open the cap and then close it without inhaling?
When you click the cap open, a dose is loaded. If you close the cap without inhaling, that dose is lost. The dose counter will still go down, and it’s generally accepted that you should not try to take another dose immediately, as this could lead to inhaling two doses at once later.
Is there a generic version of ProAir RespiClick?
Generic albuterol sulfate inhalation dry powder is not available. A physician can confirm if an alternative dosage form in a generic version is suitable for you.
How do I know when the inhaler is empty?
The device has a built-in dose counter. When the counter reaches 0, the inhaler is empty. Providers advise disposing of it even if you think there might be a small amount of powder left.
Does this inhaler expire faster than the HFA (spray) versions?
Like all medications, it has an expiration date printed on the box. Once you remove the inhaler from its foil pouch, it typically remains stable until that expiration date as long as it is kept dry and the cap is closed.
Is ProAir RespiClick safer for the environment than HFA inhalers?
HFA inhalers use hydrofluoroalkanes as propellants, which are greenhouse gases. Because ProAir RespiClick automatically delivers medication with each inhalation and does not use a propellant, it has a lower carbon footprint.
Can I exhale into the inhaler before breathing in?
No. It’s generally accepted that you should breathe out away from the inhaler. Breathing into the mouthpiece can introduce moisture into the device and clump the powder.
Does humidity or moisture affect the powder inside?
Yes. High humidity can impact the fine powder inside. Providers recommend storing the inhaler in a dry place and avoiding leaving it in a humid bathroom or a hot car.
Comparable Medications
ProAir RespiClick, ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, Xopenex HFA, or Symbicort?
Below are some potential alternatives to ProAir RespiClick:
ProAir HFA
An aerosol spray version of albuterol sulfate that requires you to press a canister while breathing in slowly. It requires priming and can be used with a spacer.
Ventolin HFA
A brand-name aerosol albuterol spray that uses a propellant to deliver the medication as a mist.
Proventil HFA
Another aerosol albuterol inhaler that requires coordination between pressing the canister and inhaling.
Generic albuterol HFA
The low-cost version of the aerosol spray inhalers. It treats the same symptoms as ProAir RespiClick but uses a different delivery system (mist vs. powder).
Xopenex® Inhaler
From $169.99
A similar rescue inhaler that contains only one part of the albuterol molecule. Some find it causes fewer heart-related side effects, but it is typically pricier.
Symbicort
A combination inhaler used for both rescue and maintenance. Unlike ProAir RespiClick, it contains a steroid to manage long-term inflammation.
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with board-certified licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.