Albuterol Sulfate - Overview

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) medication used in the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Push Health can help people who might need an albuterol prescription connect with a medical provider who can prescribe the medication - including branded and generic MDI inhalers and nebulizers - to a nearby pharmacy when appropriate to do so.

What Is Albuterol Used For?

Albuterol, available as a generic and also marketed under brand names such as ProAir HFA, Proventil and Ventolin, belongs to a class of drugs known as beta 2 adrenergic receptor agonists. Albuterol is prescribed for quick relief of wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Albuterol works by relaxing smooth muscle in the airways, resulting in an opening of the airways (bronchial passages). Effects usually begin within minutes and last 3-6 hours.

Albuterol is typically administered via an inhaler (metered-dose inhaler or MDI), frequently with counters, or a nebulizer. The medication can be administered as an intravenous drug although it is not typically done as the nebulized form is effective and convenient to administer.

Albuterol is considered a rescue medication, not a daily controller. Frequent need for the medication (e.g. more than twice a week for symptoms) often indicates that a reassessment is needed. Long term medication use may not be suitable for every patient. Albuterol is sometimes used with ipratropium bromide (Atrovent HFA), a complementary medication that is often administered at the same time - see the combinations Combivent and DuoNeb.

Albuterol - Dosage and Cost

Albuterol prescription medication is used to treat asthma and COPD. Typical adult albuterol inhaler dosing (subject to the judgment of a medical provider):

• Symptom relief: 1-2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed
• EIB prevention: 2 puffs 15-30 minutes before exercise

Albuterol is typically available in several different forms:

• Metered-dose inhaler (MDI / HFA) - portable and commonly used with outpatients
• Nebulizer solution - useful for anyone who has difficulty with using an inhaler

Generic albuterol HFA inhalers are generally affordable (often $25-60 or less with discount programs). Insurance, pharmacy coupons, and prescription savings cards may help lower the cost further. Albuterol requires a prescription and is not available over the counter in the United States.

Can I Buy Albuterol Online?

Generic inhalers and branded versions require a prescription and albuterol over the counter (OTC) versions are not available. Through Push Health, people can request an albuterol inhaler prescription from a licensed medical provider and get their medication sent to the pharmacy of their choice when appropriate to do so.

Albuterol - Side Effects

Albuterol is typically tolerated well but can cause side effects, including tremor, nervousness, palpitations, stomach discomfort, headache, and changes in skeletal muscle strength. Patients should seek emergency care for moderate or severe trouble breathing or unresponsiveness to the medication.

Albuterol should be used cautiously in patients taking certain medications (e.g. some antidepressants, beta blockers, some diuretics). Patients taking high doses might have changes in their potassium levels. Anyone with an allergy to the medication should avoid using it. Questions and concerns about the medication should be discussed with one's pharmacist and licensed medical provider prior to use.

How to Get an Albuterol Prescription with Push Health

1. Complete a simple health form. Answer questions about your health history and whether you need a new albuterol prescription or a refill.
2. Connect with a licensed provider. A medical professional will review your information and connect with you to determine which albuterol medication might be right for you, including inhalers or nebulizers.
3. Get an albuterol prescription. When appropriate, an albuterol inhaler prescription will be routed to the pharmacy of your choice for pick up or delivery.
4. Get your inhaler or nebulizer solution. Generic albuterol HFA inhalers typically cost $25-60 at most pharmacies.

The entire process is private, secure, and designed to save you time and office visits. No health insurance or subscription is required.

More Albuterol Information

• Albuterol - Medline