Are there any generic albuterol inhalers? (2023)

What is the generic version of albuterol?

Proventil HFA (aerosol inhaler)

Several inhalers and nebulizer solutions used for treating asthma are available as generic formulations, including albuterol, levalbuterol, ipratropium, budesonide, fluticasone/salmeterol, and others. They are bioequivalent to the brand versions, which means that they are expected to have the same action on the body.

Levalbuterol inhalers are also available as a generic inhaler, but brand names include Xopenex and Xopenex HFA. Levalbuterol works like albuterol, but it can't be used to prevent asthma symptoms caused by exercise. Plus, children have to be 4 or older to use this medication.

There aren't many over-the-counter (OTC) inhalers available. Options include Primatene Mist (epinephrine), Asthmanefrin (racepinephrine), and Vicks Sinus Inhaler. Primatene Mist and Asthmanefrin should only be used for mild asthma symptoms. They both should provide symptom relief within 20 minutes of use.

No, Primatene Mist (epinephrine) isn't the same as albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil). The two medications work on different receptors in the body. But the two inhalers do have a similar role when it comes to asthma care, as both inhalers can help relieve mild asthma symptoms temporarily.

Ventolin and albuterol are the same things. Albuterol is the generic name of the drug. Ventolin is one brand name.

Albuterol, the most common medication used in inhalers, is only available by prescription.

ProAir HFA is available in a generic form called albuterol sulfate. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Reason for the Shortage

Merck discontinued Proventil HFA inhalers in September 2021. Par discontinued albuterol HFA inhalers. Perrigo has discontinued albuterol HFA 8.5 gram inhalers. The company had recalled their albuterol inhalers in September 2020 due to possible clogging of the inhalers.

Herbs and supplements for asthma symptoms

Products that have been scientifically evaluated include magnesium and fish oil. Sometimes these ingredients were used in combination with Vitamin C. Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) and fish oil (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) may reduce inflammation and alleviate asthma symptoms.

What over the counter medicine will help me breathe better?

Antihistamine pills like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin) Decongestant pills such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) or pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) Medicated nose sprays like azelastine (Astelin), fluticasone (Flonase), or ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)

A coffee, soda, tea, or other drink with caffeine can help your airways open. A small amount of caffeine can help you breathe better for up to 4 hours. We need more research to know if caffeinated drinks can permanently help with symptoms of asthma. Use eucalyptus oil.

The FDA recommends that Primatene Mist is only appropriate for people with a prior diagnosis of asthma and only those with mild symptoms of intermittent asthma (such as those with no more than two asthma attacks a week).

In 2011, the original Primatene Mist inhaler was taken off the market. Why? The previous version of Primatene Mist was an epinephrine metered-dose inhaler that contained chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants. CFCs are known to deplete the ozone layer.

Levalbuterol is the more active R-enantiomer of the albuterol racemic mixture. Levalbuterol stimulates the beta receptors resulting in relaxation of bronchial and tracheal smooth muscle and a more open airway. Levalbuterol is available as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) delivering a 45 mcg dose per actuation.

This medicine may cause paradoxical bronchospasm, which means your breathing or wheezing will get worse. This may be life-threatening. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing after using this medicine.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection. It often causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs that can make it hard for you to breathe. Albuterol doesn't treat the pneumonia infection itself. But albuterol can improve your breathing by loosening the mucus in your lungs.

Prescription assistance programs (PAPs) are designed to provide inhalers and other asthma drugs free of charge or at a highly discounted price to lower-income individuals and families. Copay assistance programs (CAPs) cover a portion of drug copay costs for people with health insurance.

Over-the-counter (OTC) asthma inhalers can help treat—but not prevent—acute asthma attacks. While not commonly recommended for the treatment of asthma, some people still turn to them because of their convenience and price point.

What is the average price for albuterol inhaler?

The average retail price of Albuterol Sulfate is around $34.38 for 25, (2.5 MG/3ML) Nebulization Solution. SingleCare can help lower the cost to $2.57 with an Albuterol Sulfate coupon.

Albuterol has an average rating of 3.2 out of 10 from a total of 373 ratings on Drugs.com. 19% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 71% reported a negative effect. ProAir HFA has an average rating of 3.4 out of 10 from a total of 73 ratings on Drugs.com.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic of ProAir HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm in patients four years of age and older with reversible obstructive airway disease and the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients ...

No, you cannot get ProAir HFA over the counter. This is a prescription only inhaler that you must speak with a doctor about before getting a prescription.

The shortage is occurring because of the increased use of albuterol inhalers in hospitals for COVID-19 and suspected COVID-19 patients to help with respiratory issues. There is a concern that nebulizers used on patients with COVID-19 in the hospital could spread the virus in the air.

Inhaling moist air or steam works similarly to drinking warm liquids. It can help loosen up congestion and mucus in your airways, making it easier to breath. Take a hot, steamy shower with the door closed or use a humidifier at home. You can also try spending some time in a steam room.

Hold the breath for 2-3 seconds. Use your stomach muscles to forcefully expel the air. Avoid a hacking cough or merely clearing the throat. A deep cough is less tiring and more effective in clearing mucus out of the lungs.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.

Take albuterol, for example, which is a popular asthma medication, and is no longer on the Walmart $4 List.

How can I get a cheap inhaler?