Short-Acting Beta Agonists

Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) are used for the quick relief or prevention of asthma and COPD symptoms. These medications may also be known as rescue inhalers. They relax muscles in the lungs and maintain open airways, allowing for better airflow.

Why are short acting beta agonists prescribed?

Asthma (50%)
COPD (50%)

How are these percentages calculated?

Key takeaways

Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) are used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise-induced bronchospasm. They work by relaxing the muscles around your airways, making it easier to breathe. SABAs most commonly come as inhalers and nebulizer solutions. Examples include albuterol (Ventolin HFA, ProAir RespiClick) and levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). You can discuss with your healthcare team which option might be right for you.

Prices for popular Short-Acting Beta Agonists medications

Viewing 7 of 7 medications

Proair HFA (albuterol)

as low as$11

Albuterol (Proair HFA) is an expensive drug used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. This medicine is also used to prevent wheezing caused by exercise. This drug is more popular than comparable drugs. Proair hfa is available as both a brand and generic. It is covered by some Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

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Proventil (albuterol)

as low as$11

Albuterol (Ventolin, Proair, Proventil) is an inexpensive drug used to treat asthma and COPD. It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions. Generic albuterol is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

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Ventolin (albuterol)

as low as$11

Albuterol (Ventolin, Proair, Proventil) is an inexpensive drug used to treat asthma and COPD. It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions. Generic albuterol is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

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terbutaline

as low as$8

TERBUTALINE treats lung diseases, such as asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing problems or wheezing (bronchospasm). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

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Xopenex (levalbuterol)

as low as$59

LEVALBUTEROL treats lung diseases, such as asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing problems or wheezing (bronchospasm). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is often called a rescue or quick-relief medication.

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Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol)

as low as$59

LEVALBUTEROL treats lung diseases, such as asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing problems or wheezing (bronchospasm). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is often called a rescue or quick-relief inhaler.

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Proair Respiclick

as low as$67

ALBUTEROL treats lung diseases, such as asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing trouble breathing or wheezing (bronchospasm). It is also used to treat asthma or prevent breathing problems during exercise. This medication works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is often called a rescue- or quick-relief inhaler.

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Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

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