Bronchospasms, which cause difficulty in breathing, can occur after strenuous exercise, as well as due to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis. Asthmatics can get bronchospasms, too. Physicians may prescribe the generic drug albuterol to prevent or treat these attacks. The medication, sold under a variety of brand names in the United States, including ProAir HFA, is inhaled to cause the bronchial tubes, or airways, to open. This can help reduce symptoms such as breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Arrhythmia
One of the most serious side effects ProAir HFA can produce is arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, notes MedlinePlus. It also can produce a sensation of pounding heartbeats called palpitations. ProAir HFA also can accelerate the rate at which the heart beats beyond the normal range. This condition, known as tachycardia, occurs when the heart races faster than 100 beats per minute when the person is resting. MayoClinic.com recommends talking to a doctor immediately if these side effects are observed.
Uncontrolled Movement
Taking ProAir HFA can cause uncontrolled body movements. For example, the person may shake in the extremities, such as the feet and legs or hands and arms. The condition may occur as trembling, a lesser form of shaking, MayoClinic.com indicates. Such shaking classifies as a serious side effect of the medication and requires immediate medical attention. MedlinePlus states that when shaking occurs in a single body part, it is not considered a serious side effect, but recommends seeking help from a physician if the person feels the side effect is severe or if the shaking does not stop.
Pain
ProAir HFA may induce some minor pain during initial use, notes MedlinePlus, resulting in headaches, backaches, or muscle or bone pain. These side effect typically cease without medical intervention.
Nausea
During administration, ProAir HFA may cause nausea and an urge to vomit. This common and nonserious side effect generally lasts only a short time during which the person's body adjusts to having ProAir HFA in it. Once the medication becomes a normal part of the system, the queasiness and vomiting should subside, states MedlinePlus.
