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Albuterol Coupon - Albuterol 18g of 90mcg hfa inhaler

albuterol

Generic Ventolin
Used for Asthma, COPD
Used for Asthma, COPD

Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's a rescue inhaler that treats or prevents sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in adults and children at least 4 years old with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. Albuterol is inhaled through the mouth using either an HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) or a dry powder inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Albuterol side effects generally include sore throat, throat irritation, and infections.

Last reviewed on October 17, 2023
basics-icon

What is Albuterol?

02:43

What is Albuterol used for?

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

How Albuterol works

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). It works by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways. This makes it easier for you to breathe.

When does Albuterol start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, ProAir Digihaler, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA
Drug ClassSABA
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Albuterol essentials

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Avg retail price
$48.76(save 84.94%)
GoodRx discount
$7.35
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What are the side effects of Albuterol?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Note: Side effects you might have can depend on your age, dose, the type of albuterol inhaler you're using, and how often you're using the inhaler.

Other Side Effects

  • Fast heart rate
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Shakiness or tremor
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Change in taste
  • Cough

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of your face or tongue, difficulty breathing
  • Sudden narrowing of your airways: difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain or tightness, cough
  • Heart problems: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, tremor, irregular heartbeat, worsening symptoms of heart problem you already have
When do Albuterol possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Sore throat
Throat irritation
Fast heart rate
Upper respiratory infection

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Less common

Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse

Rare

Cough

difficulty breathing

difficulty with swallowing

hives or welts

hoarseness

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

noisy breathing

redness of the skin

shortness of breath

skin rash

slow or irregular breathing

swelling of the mouth or throat

tightness in the chest

wheezing

Incidence not known

Agitation

anxiety

arm, back, or jaw pain

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

confusion

convulsions

extra heartbeats

fainting

hallucinations

headache

irritability

lightheadedness

mood or mental changes

muscle pain or cramps

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

nervousness

nightmares

pounding in the ears

restlessness

sudden loss of consciousness

sweating

total body jerking

unusual feeling of excitement

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Dizziness

feeling of warmth

irritability

nausea

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

sleeplessness

trouble with holding or releasing urine

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

Rare

Sleepiness

unusual drowsiness

Incidence not known

Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

change in taste

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

gagging

rough, scratchy sound to voice

sensation of spinning

tightness in the throat

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Albuterol

thumbs-up

Pros

Works within minutes to help you breathe easier when you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing

Only used as needed when you're short of breath or when you're about to exercise

Can be used by children as young as 4 years old

Available as two types of inhalers: HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) and dry powder inhaler

thumbs-down

Cons

Might have to use the inhaler multiple times per day since it's a short-acting medication

Might be difficult for some people to use the inhaler properly

Should carry with you at all times so you can use it when you need to

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Albuterol

pharmacist
  • Albuterol is a rescue inhaler that's used as needed for sudden shortness of breath. Make sure to keep an albuterol inhaler with you at all times in case you need to use it.

    • Use the dose counter on the albuterol inhaler to track how many doses you have left. Be sure to get a refill when the display window shows that you only have 20 inhalations left with a red-colored background. And when the display window reads "0," throw your inhaler away, even if the canister isn't completely empty.

      • If you need to take more than one inhalation (puff) of albuterol, wait at least 1 minute between inhalations.

        • Call your provider if your breathing gets worse or doesn't improve after you use albuterol. Also contact your provider if you're using albuterol more often than usual. These could be signs that you need a change in your treatment plan for your breathing problem.

          • Don't start any new medications while you're taking albuterol without asking your provider or pharmacist first. Albuterol can interact with other medications, such as blood pressure medications (e.g., beta blockers), tricyclic antidepressants, and the heart medication digoxin (Lanoxin). Some interactions can make your medications work less well, and others can raise your risk for side effects. Your providers can check for interactions to make sure your medications are safe to take.

            • If you're about to use a new inhaler for the first time or if you haven't used it for more than 2 weeks, you'll need to prime your inhaler to make sure you get the full dose. To prime the inhaler, shake it well and spray into the air away from your face 3 times (ProAir HFA, generic) or 4 times (Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA).

              • How to use the albuterol HFA inhaler: Shake the inhaler well before each dose to mix the medication. When you're ready, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Then, take a slow and deep breath while you push the top of the canister down to deliver the medication. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can so that albuterol can reach deep into your lungs.

                • Ask your provider about using a spacer with your inhaler to help you take albuterol if you're having a hard time using your HFA inhaler.

                  • Clean your HFA inhaler at least once a week. Remove the cap and canister and set them aside. Then, rinse the mouthpiece with warm running water for 30 seconds. Shake off any extra water and let it fully air dry before putting your inhaler back together.

                    • You don't need to shake or prime the ProAir RespiClick or ProAir Digihaler before you use it.

                      • How to use ProAir RespiClick or ProAir Digihaler: Pull the red cap all the way back until you hear a "click" to prepare the inhaler for your dose. Breathe out completely through your mouth and away from the mouthpiece to remove as much air from your lungs as possible. When you're ready, place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece. Make sure your lips or fingers aren't blocking the vent above the mouthpiece. Then, take a quick and deep breath. Try to hold your breath for up to 10 seconds or for as long as you comfortably can. This makes sure albuterol can reach deep into your lungs.

                        • Clean the mouthpiece with a dry cloth if it looks dirty. Don't rinse the inhaler with water because it'll damage the powder medication. Throw the inhaler away and use a new one if you accidentally get it wet.

                          • You can connect the ProAir Digihaler device to an app on your phone. The app helps gather important data about how you use your inhaler. Share this information with your providers so they can discuss with you about how you can get the most benefit from the medication.

                            More on Albuterol tips

                            faqs

                            Frequently asked questions about Albuterol

                            No, albuterol isn't a steroid. Albuterol belongs to a group of medications called short-acting beta …  Learn more
                            The most common albuterol side effects of albuterol include nervousness, shaky hands, and a rapid he…  Learn more
                            Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It works by relaxing muscles in your lungs, allowin…  Learn more
                            It's not recommended to use albuterol too often. Excessive use of albuterol may be a sign that your …  Learn more
                            In very rare cases, some people may notice worsening asthma symptoms after using an albuterol inhale…  Learn more
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                            warings-icon

                            What are the risks and warnings for Albuterol?

                            Albuterol can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                            risk-warning

                            Breathing problems

                            Although rare, albuterol can sometimes cause a muscle spasm in your lungs (bronchospasm). This can lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, cough, and chest discomfort. Get medical help right away if you become short of breath after you use albuterol.

                            For some people, asthma can worsen over time. Let your provider know if you start needing to use albuterol more often than usual. Your provider can examine your lungs to see whether your treatment plan needs any changes to better control your breathing symptoms.

                            risk-warning

                            Heart problems

                            • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart failure | Heart rate or rhythm problems | Using more albuterol than recommended

                              Albuterol can cause changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm. But these side effects are typically unlikely to happen if you're taking the recommended dose of albuterol. Your provider might ask you to regularly check your blood pressure and heart rate at home if you have high blood pressure or other heart problems. Don't use albuterol more often than recommended. If you find that you need to use albuterol more often, let your providers know so they can see if you need any changes to your treatment plan. Tell your provider if you have dizziness, fatigue, tremor, rapid heartbeat, or weakness after you use albuterol.

                              risk-warning

                              Low potassium in the blood

                              • Risk factors: Using albuterol too much

                                Albuterol can cause the potassium levels in your blood to drop too low. In most cases, this happens if you use more albuterol than recommended. Drops in blood potassium levels are typically mild and your levels should go back to usual with time. Sometimes, low potassium can cause tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, a racing heart, and a "pins and needles" feeling in your hands and feet. Tell your provider if you experience any of these symptoms while you're using albuterol. Also let your provider know if you need to use albuterol more often than instructed. Your treatment plan might need to be adjusted to better control your symptoms.

                                risk-warning

                                Allergic reactions

                                Allergic reactions to albuterol are possible. These reactions can include life-threatening facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Get medical attention right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you use albuterol.

                                dosage

                                Albuterol dosage forms

                                The average cost for 1 hfa inhaler of 18g of 90mcg of Albuterol is $28.23 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 42.1% off the average retail price of $48.76.
                                bottle of inhalation solution
                                Bottle of inhalation solution
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                20ml of 5mg/ml1 bottle$14.52$14.52
                                hfa inhaler
                                Hfa inhaler
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                6.7g of 90mcg1 hfa inhaler$19.45$19.45
                                8.5g of 90mcg1 hfa inhaler$21.00$21.00
                                18g of 90mcg1 hfa inhaler$28.23$28.23
                                ml of syrup
                                Ml of syrup
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                2mg/5ml120 ml$7.35$0.06
                                tablet
                                Tablet
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                2mg30 tablets$21.93$0.73
                                4mg60 tablets$32.13$0.54
                                vial
                                Vial
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                0.5ml of 2.5mg/0.5ml30 vials$16.78$0.56
                                3ml of 0.63mg/3ml25 vials$15.36$0.61
                                3ml of 1.25mg/3ml25 vials$15.28$0.61
                                3ml of 2.5mg/3ml25 vials$7.50$0.30

                                Typical dosing for Albuterol

                                Each inhalation delivers 90 mcg of albuterol into the lungs.

                                • Asthma: The typical dose is 1 to 2 inhalations through the mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for wheezing or shortness of breath.

                                • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma: The typical dose is 2 inhalations through the mouth 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.

                                More on Albuterol dosage forms

                                interactions

                                Interactions between Albuterol and other drugs

                                Albuterol may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Albuterol. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                drug-cost

                                How much does Albuterol cost?

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                                contraindications-icon

                                Albuterol contraindications

                                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Albuterol will not be safe for you to take.
                                • Allergy to albuterol

                                • Allergy to milk proteins (ProAir RespliClick and ProAir Digihaler only)

                                alternatives

                                What are alternatives to Albuterol?

                                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Albuterol. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                Albuterol
                                Used for:
                                • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

                                • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

                                $7.35 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                Used for:
                                • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

                                $58.16 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                Used for:
                                • Rescue treatment of shortness of breath in adults and children with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)

                                $15.28 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                latest news

                                What is the latest news about Albuterol?

                                images

                                Albuterol images

                                This medicine is Colorless Hfa Inhaler.

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                                References

                                Best studies we found

                                American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. (n.d.). Bronchospasm defined.

                                American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (n.d.). Asthma cough.

                                American Thoracic Society. (2020). Using your metered dose inhaler (MDI).

                                View All References (9)
                                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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