Comprehensive medication guide to Ventolin including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15 copay for generic albuterol on Tier 1–2 of most commercial and Medicare Part D plans; brand-name Ventolin HFA may be Tier 3 with higher copay or require step therapy.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$25–$50 retail for generic albuterol HFA inhaler; up to $99 for brand-name Ventolin HFA; as low as $9–$20 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
62/100
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Ventolin HFA is a brand-name prescription inhaler manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) containing albuterol sulfate — a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (SABA) bronchodilator. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, used by people with asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions that cause airway narrowing.
Albuterol is also known internationally as salbutamol. Ventolin was first launched in 1969 and received initial U.S. FDA approval in 1981. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. FDA-approved generic albuterol HFA inhalers are also available from Cipla and Lupin, and are therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Ventolin HFA.
Ventolin HFA is FDA-approved for adults and children aged 4 years and older for the treatment and prevention of bronchospasm in reversible obstructive airway disease, and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm. As a rescue inhaler, it begins working within 5–15 minutes and the effect lasts 4–6 hours.
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Ventolin (albuterol) is a selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. When inhaled, albuterol molecules travel into the medium and large airways of the lungs and bind to beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle cells lining those airways. This triggers a cascade of intracellular signals that increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels within the smooth muscle cells.
Elevated cAMP causes the airway smooth muscle to relax, widening the airway diameter and allowing more air to flow freely in and out of the lungs. This bronchodilation typically begins within 5–15 minutes of inhalation, with peak effect at 30–60 minutes and duration of 4–6 hours.
Because albuterol is a rescue medication targeting the immediate muscle spasm — not the underlying inflammation of asthma — it is used on an as-needed basis for acute symptoms. Patients with persistent asthma typically also use a daily inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) controller medication to address the chronic inflammation that makes airways hypersensitive.
90 mcg/actuation — HFA metered-dose inhaler
Standard inhaler — 2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed; max 12 puffs/day. Available in 60-dose and 200-dose canisters.
2.5 mg/3 mL (0.083%) — Nebulizer solution
Standard nebulizer dose — 2.5 mg 2-3 times daily as needed. Also available as 0.63 mg/3 mL and 1.25 mg/3 mL for pediatric dosing.
2 mg, 4 mg — Tablet (oral)
Less commonly used. 2-4 mg 3-4 times daily; not to exceed 32 mg/day.
2 mg/5 mL — Syrup
For pediatric patients who cannot use inhalers. Dosing varies by age and weight.
Ventolin HFA inhalers are generally available at most retail pharmacies in 2026, though localized stock-outs occur — particularly during winter and spring respiratory seasons. The albuterol nebulizer solution (liquid form used in nebulizers) has faced a more serious, ongoing shortage since October 2022 when the FDA added it to the official drug shortage list.
The nebulizer solution shortage was severely worsened by Akorn Pharmaceuticals' bankruptcy and plant closures in February 2023. New FDA-approved manufacturers (Ritedose Pharmaceuticals in November 2025 and Amneal Pharmaceuticals in March 2026) are ramping up production, and supply is gradually improving throughout 2026.
If your pharmacy is out of Ventolin or albuterol, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to check which ones have it in stock and text you the results — saving you hours of phone calls.
Ventolin HFA (albuterol) is not a controlled substance, so it can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider with prescriptive authority — there are no DEA scheduling restrictions or special monitoring requirements. This makes it accessible through a wide range of care settings.
Telehealth is widely available for Ventolin prescriptions. Because albuterol is not a controlled substance, telehealth providers can prescribe it in virtually all states for patients with an established diagnosis of asthma or COPD. Platforms like Teladoc, MDLive, and Amazon Clinic can provide same-day prescriptions for renewal visits.
No. Ventolin HFA (albuterol) is not a controlled substance and is not DEA-scheduled under any category. It does require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider in the United States, but there are no special DEA-based prescribing restrictions, refill limitations, or monitoring requirements that apply to controlled substances.
Because albuterol is not controlled, it can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers in all 50 states — without a DEA registration for controlled substances. Prescriptions can be called in, faxed, or e-prescribed without the additional documentation required for controlled medications.
Most patients tolerate Ventolin well. Common side effects include:
Serious side effects — seek medical attention:
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Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
The R-enantiomer of albuterol; same mechanism with potentially fewer cardiovascular side effects; FDA-approved for ages 4+; available as HFA inhaler and nebulizer solution; requires new prescription; more expensive than generic albuterol.
Budesonide/Albuterol (Airsupra)
Combination rescue inhaler for adults 18+ with asthma; contains albuterol for bronchodilation plus budesonide ICS for anti-inflammatory effect; consistent with GINA rescue therapy recommendations; requires new prescription.
Ipratropium/Albuterol (Combivent Respimat)
Combination anticholinergic + SABA bronchodilator; primarily for COPD patients; provides dual-mechanism bronchodilation; not first-line for asthma rescue; requires new prescription.
Generic Albuterol HFA (Cipla / Lupin)
FDA-approved generic albuterol HFA inhalers that are therapeutically equivalent to Ventolin HFA; same active ingredient (albuterol sulfate 90 mcg/actuation); typically no new prescription needed; significantly lower cost.
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Non-selective beta-blockers (propranolol, nadolol, carvedilol)
majorBlock beta-2 receptors, potentially negating albuterol's bronchodilator effect and causing severe bronchospasm in asthma patients. Avoid non-selective beta-blockers; use cardioselective agents if required.
MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline)
majorDramatically potentiate albuterol's cardiovascular effects; increased risk of QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Use with extreme caution within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, doxepin)
majorPotentiate cardiovascular effects including QT prolongation and arrhythmia risk. Use with extreme caution; cardiac monitoring may be warranted.
Non-potassium-sparing diuretics (furosemide, HCTZ, bumetanide)
moderateAdditive hypokalemia risk when combined with albuterol. Monitor potassium levels closely, especially with high-dose or frequent albuterol use.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
moderateAlbuterol can decrease serum digoxin levels by 16-22%, potentially reducing digoxin effectiveness. Monitor digoxin levels during concurrent use.
Other sympathomimetics (pseudoephedrine, epinephrine)
moderateAdditive cardiovascular stimulation — increased heart rate, blood pressure, tremors, and anxiety. Use with caution; avoid combination cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine.
Ventolin HFA (albuterol) has been a cornerstone of respiratory care for over 50 years — and for good reason. It is fast-acting, effective, and well-understood. While the albuterol nebulizer solution shortage that began in 2022 continues to challenge patients and healthcare systems in 2026, HFA inhalers remain generally available, and new FDA-approved manufacturers are gradually improving supply.
For patients, the most important steps are: refill early (don't wait until the inhaler is empty), know that FDA-approved generic albuterol inhalers are therapeutically equivalent to Ventolin HFA, and explore the savings programs available to reduce cost. For providers, writing generic and prescribing 90-day supplies are the two most impactful interventions for access and affordability.
If you are struggling to find Ventolin at your local pharmacy, medfinder can help — enter your medication and ZIP code, and medfinder will call pharmacies near you to identify who can fill your prescription, then text you the results.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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