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Drug Details

Albuterol Sulfate HFA

( Ventolin HFA )

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Sep 08, 2023

Drug Details

Generic Name:

Albuterol sulfate

Common Brands:

ProAir RespiClick, ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA

Availability:

Prescription only

Therapeutic Class:

Short-acting beta-agonist (bronchodilator)

Forms:

Tablet, HFA inhaler, vial, syrup, and inhalation solution

Administration:

Inhalation by mouth or swallowing

Therapeutic Uses:

Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma

Controlled Status:

Not a controlled substance

What is albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Albuterol sulfate (al byoo ter ole sul fate) is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) or bronchodilator drug used to treat acute asthma attacks. It is a prescription medication that works as a rescue inhaler in people with asthma who have trouble breathing and/or wheezing. It is also used to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise.

There may be other albuterol sulfate uses - your pharmacist or physician can give you further information.

Who can take albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Albuterol solution for oral inhalation is used in adults and children aged 2 years and older. Albuterol inhalation aerosol (Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA, and Ventolin HFA) is given to adults and children aged 4 years and older. Albuterol powder for inhalation by mouth (ProAir Respiclick) can be used in individuals aged 4 years and older.

Uses

What is albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin used for?

Albuterol sulfate is a bronchodilator. It is prescribed as a rescue medicine to people with asthma to help them breathe better. Albuterol prevents and treats symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties with exercise. It treats symptoms caused by diseases of the lungs and airways, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How does albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) work?

Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta-agonist. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways and opening up the airways. This makes breathing easier by allowing air to flow in and out of the lungs more easily.

What are albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) doses?

Albuterol sulfate tablets come in doses of 2 mg and 4 mg. The extended-release tablets are also available in 8mg. The inhalation solution comes in a 20-mL bottle that contains 5 mg/mL. The albuterol syrup dose is 2 mg/5 mL. The HFA inhaler contains 90 mcg of albuterol sulfate per puff.

The typical dosing of albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA) is 1 to 2 puffs by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed for shortness of breath. For exercise-induced asthma, the recommended dosing is 2 puffs by mouth 15-30 minutes before starting exercise.

Directions

How should I take albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Take albuterol sulfate as directed by your physician and/or pharmacist. This medicine is to be inhaled orally (by mouth). The solution (liquid) form of albuterol sulfate is inhaled by mouth using a special jet nebulizer (the device turns the medication into a fine mist that can be inhaled). The aerosol or powder form of albuterol sulfate is inhaled by mouth using an inhaler device.

Follow the directions on your prescription label for the correct albuterol sulfate dosage and frequency. Take your medicine as advised by your doctor (usually every 4-6 hours as needed and 15-30 minutes before exercise). Do not take more albuterol sulfate or take it more frequently than prescribed. Do not stop using albuterol sulfate without talking to your doctor first.

Albuterol sulfate solution for oral inhalation can be given to adults and children aged 2 years and older. The aerosol is prescribed to adults and children aged 4 years and older. The powder for inhalation by mouth can be used in individuals aged 4 years and above. Talk to your pediatrician regarding special care and precautions while using albuterol sulfate in your child.

Missed dose: If you have been advised to use albuterol sulfate on a regular schedule and you forget to take a dose, take your medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose of albuterol sulfate at the regular time. Do NOT take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

Storage: Store albuterol sulfate in the container it came in, tightly closed and away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep all over-the-counter and prescription drugs out of reach of children. Store unused vials of albuterol sulfate nebulizer solution in the foil pouch until ready for use, and keep them at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Store albuterol sulfate inhalers at room temperature, away from excessive moisture or heat (not in the bathroom or car). Do not puncture aerosol inhalers or discard them in fires or incinerators.

Unused medicine: Throw away any unused albuterol sulfate after the expiration date. Learn more about proper medication disposal.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible information. If you have questions about albuterol sulfate, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider for more information.

Discounted prices for albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)
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Side Effects

What are albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) side effects?

The most common side effects of albuterol sulfate include:

● Throat irritation or sore throat

● Cough

● Headache

● Nausea, vomiting

● Nervousness, uncontrolled shakiness

● Muscle pain, bone pain, or back pain

Tell your physician if these side effects are severe or do not get better over time.

Some side effects of albuterol sulfate are more serious. You should call your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

● Fast or pounding heartbeat

● Rash, hives, itching

● Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or feet

● Chest pain

● Difficulty breathing or swallowing

● Hoarseness

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of albuterol sulfate. Contact your doctor if you have severe side effects or your side effects are worsening. You can also report unusual albuterol sulfate side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Albuterol Overdose: If you take extra doses of albuterol, it can cause various symptoms such as chest pain, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, shaking, nausea, lightheadedness, and more. Call your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you’ve taken extra doses of albuterol and are experiencing symptoms. NOTE: Albuterol sulfate is a prescription drug to be used only by you and never shared with others.

Source: FDA

Warnings

What are the risks of taking albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Albuterol sulfate can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients. Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other asthma treatment options if these complications are a concern for you.

Worsening asthma: Some people may experience a worsening of their asthma symptoms or no improvement in their symptoms with albuterol sulfate. Talk to your doctor if this occurs. Your doctor may increase your dose or prescribe another anti-inflammatory drug to control your symptoms better.
Lung spasms: Very rarely, albuterol sulfate can cause lung spasms, leading to worsening of breathing and causing more coughing and wheezing. This can be potentially life-threatening. The risk is highest when you use a new inhaler. Stop taking albuterol sulfate and contact your doctor right away if this occurs.
Heart problems: Even at the recommended dose, albuterol sulfate can cause heart problems such as a fast heartbeat or high blood pressure in some people. The risk is higher in patients with a history of heart disease or hypertension. If you have a history of heart problems, work with your doctor to decide whether albuterol is the correct medicine for you.
Low potassium: Albuterol sulfate can lower blood potassium levels, which can be harmful to the heart. Low potassium symptoms can include tiredness, bloating, nausea, muscle cramps, and abnormal heartbeat. Call your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms.
Allergic reaction: In a small number of people, albuterol sulfate can cause a severe allergic reaction with difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, hives, and rash. Stop using albuterol sulfate right away and call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if this occurs.

Your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe other treatments for asthma if you are at risk of complications from albuterol sulfate use.

What should I tell my doctor before starting albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions - albuterol sulfate may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions such as heart disease, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Also, tell your doctor about all your medications, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, dietary supplements and vitamins, as well as herbal products. This can help avoid serious interactions between albuterol sulfate and other medicines.

Please tell your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to albuterol sulfate or any of the ingredients in the nebulizer solution or inhalation powder (your pharmacy can provide you with a list of ingredients).

Albuterol sulfate should be used with caution in pregnant women. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Contact your doctor if you become pregnant while on albuterol sulfate treatment.

What precautions should I take while on albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

Please keep all your appointments at your doctor’s office. Short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol sulfate relieve asthma symptoms and can stop an asthma attack, but they do not cure asthma. Do not stop taking albuterol sulfate without talking to your doctor first.

You should stop taking albuterol and call your doctor immediately for medical advice or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as chest pain; fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; itching, hives, rash; swelling of the face, tongue, lips, throat, hands, or feet; or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

What are albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) interactions?

Taking albuterol sulfate with other medications can affect how the drug works or increase the risk of severe side effects. Your physician may choose a different rescue medication for asthma, change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines, and/or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known drug interactions. There can be interactions between albuterol sulfate and medicines, such as:

● beta-blockers

● diuretics or water pills

● digoxin

● epinephrine (EpiPen, Primatene Mist)

● cold medications

● other inhaled medications (levalbuterol, metaproterenol)

● certain antidepressants

This list does not describe specific or all possible albuterol sulfate interactions. Give your health care provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your health care provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.

Pros & Cons

What are the pros and cons of albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)?

pros header.svg

Albuterol sulfate is a fast-acting medication that can help you breathe easier within minutes.
You do not need to use albuterol sulfate regularly. This medicine can be kept at home and used as needed to relieve breathing problems or other asthma symptoms.
The medication is available in many different forms, so there are other options if one is not convenient or doesn’t work for you.
Albuterol sulfate can be prescribed to children as young as 2 years old (liquid for oral inhalation) and 4 years old (aerosol for inhalation).

cons header.svg

Albuterol sulfate has a short action, so you might need to use it 3-4 times a day.
This medicine may not be appropriate for patients with heart disease.
Using an albuterol inhaler may be challenging for some children.
The risk of side effects, such as a fast heartbeat, is higher with albuterol sulfate than other asthma medications like levalbuterol (Xopenex).

Pharmacist Tips

Albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) tips from pharmacists

Shake the albuterol sulfate inhaler well before using it.
If you are using the inhaler for the first time, you have not used it for 14 days or longer, or you dropped the inhaler, you will need to prime it. To do this, shake the canister well and release 3-4 sprays into the air. Be careful to point the inhaler away from your face
Clean your inhaler regularly per the manufacturer’s instructions. Your pharmacy personnel can explain how to do this if you’re not sure.
To ensure the medication reaches your lungs, try to hold your breath for 10 seconds after each puff of the albuterol sulfate inhaler. Also, wait 1 minute before inhaling the next puff.

Rx Savings Tips

Albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) Rx savings tips

Albuterol sulfate is a generic medication - you can make significant savings with this version of the medicine compared to the brand name versions. Brand name and generic albuterol sulfate contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic medicine is sold at significantly lower prices. However, a BuzzRx coupon can result in significant discounts on brand name medicines that contain albuterol sulfate as the active ingredient. Brand name albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin) may be under $18.00 for 8.5 g of 90 mcg HFA at nearby pharmacies with BuzzRx discount coupons. In addition, you may be able to obtain free albuterol or access saving coupons from a patient assistance program (check the drug manufacturer’s website for more information).

Lowest Price for Albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)

Brand
$59.50

Generic
$17.76

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Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing.

Common Questions

Common Questions about albuterol sulfate (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin)

Is albuterol a bronchodilator?

Yes, albuterol is a bronchodilator. Specifically, it is a short-acting bronchodilator, and it is used as a rescue inhaler to stop an asthma attack.

Is albuterol a steroid?

No, albuterol is not a steroid. It belongs to a class of drugs called short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) that work by relaxing the muscles of the airways. This allows air to flow more freely in and out of the lungs and makes breathing easier during an asthma attack.

Does albuterol expire?

Albuterol inhalers usually expire 1 year after being issued by the pharmacy. An expired albuterol inhaler may not retain its potency (it may not be effective). To be safe, always ensure that the albuterol inhalers at home or in your purse or pocket are not expired.

How often can you use an albuterol inhaler?

The recommended dose for an albuterol inhaler is 1-2 puffs every 4-6 hours (3-4 times a day).

How long does it take albuterol to work?

Albuterol is a fast-acting medication. Depending on the form of the medicine used, it works immediately (within minutes) or within an hour. The inhaled forms of albuterol work the quickest. The liquid and tablets work a little more slowly.

How long do albuterol side effects last?

Albuterol side effects are usually the most severe in the first few days of starting the medicine and the first 4-6 hours of taking the medicine. Most side effects get better with the continued use of albuterol. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if your side effects are severe or persistent.

What is the price of albuterol without insurance?

Without insurance, albuterol can be as high as $36.16, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $17.76 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions of albuterol. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.

What is the price of albuterol with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on albuterol—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon foralbuterol. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.