Key takeaways
Albuterol sulfate HFA is a generic rescue inhaler used to relieve bronchospasm and symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
The average albuterol inhaler cost without insurance is $101, but prices vary by pharmacy.
People without insurance can save on albuterol HFA with SingleCare coupons, by comparing pharmacy prices, or through government assistance programs if eligible.
Albuterol sulfate HFA is a prescription generic bronchodilator available as a metered-dose inhaler. It works quickly to relieve bronchospasm and symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ventolin HFA is a brand-name albuterol HFA inhaler that is still available, and there are many generic versions. Proventil HFA, a brand-name albuterol HFA inhaler, has been discontinued.
Although insurance typically covers albuterol inhalers, the average albuterol inhaler price without insurance is $101 for one 8.5-gram inhaler. People without insurance can use several strategies to reduce the cost of albuterol HFA.
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What is the brand name for albuterol sulfate?
Albuterol sulfate is available under brand names such as Ventolin HFA and ProAir RespiClick. Ventolin HFA is a metered-dose albuterol HFA inhaler, while ProAir RespiClick is a breath-activated dry powder inhaler. Other brand-name albuterol inhalers, including Proventil HFA and ProAir HFA, have been discontinued.
How much does an albuterol inhaler cost without insurance?
The average albuterol HFA price without insurance is about $101 for one 8.5 g inhaler. Each inhaler contains 200 actuations, or enough medication for 100 doses of two inhalations each.
How much albuterol costs per month depends on how often you use your inhaler. Albuterol HFA is used as prescribed to treat or prevent bronchospasm and may also be used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. How long one inhaler lasts will therefore vary from person to person.
Brand-name and generic albuterol inhaler prices can vary by product and pharmacy, so comparing current prices can help you find the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
Another prescription short-acting beta2 agonist is levalbuterol, the active ingredient in Xopenex HFA. Although levalbuterol and albuterol have similar uses, they are different medications. Generic levalbuterol tartrate HFA inhalers are also available, and prices vary.
Can you buy albuterol over the counter?
No. Albuterol inhalers require a prescription in the United States. Over-the-counter asthma inhalers such as Primatene Mist contain epinephrine rather than albuterol. Primatene Mist is FDA-approved only for temporary relief of mild symptoms of intermittent asthma and should not be considered a direct substitute for prescription albuterol. Talk to a healthcare provider before switching to an over-the-counter inhaler.
RELATED: Albuterol alternatives: What can I take instead of albuterol?
Compare albuterol prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Albuterol sulfate HFA | $101 per 1, 8.5 gm of 90 mcg/act inhaler | $21 per 1, 8.5 gm of 90 mcg/act inhaler of generic albuterol sulfate HFA at Walmart | See latest prices |
| Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate HFA) | $88 per 1, 18 gm of 90 mcg/act inhaler | $58 per 1, 18 gm of 90 mcg/act inhaler of brand-name Ventolin HFA at Kroger or Harris Teeter | See latest prices |
| ProAir Respiclick (albuterol sulfate inhalation powder) | $105 per 1, 0.65 gm of 108 mcg/act breath-activated aerosol powder | $71 per 1, 0.65 gm of 108 mcg/act breath-activated aerosol powder of brand-name ProAir RespiClick at Kroger or Harris Teeter | See latest prices |
| Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate) | $131 per 1, 15 gm of 45 mcg/act inhaler | $62 per 1, 15 gm of 45 mcg/act inhaler of generic Xopenex HFA at Kroger or Harris Teeter | See latest prices |
| Levalbuterol HCl | $189 per 25, 1.25 mg/3 mL vials of nebulizer solution | $32 per 25, 1.25 mg/3 mL vials of nebulizer solution of generic levalbuterol HCl at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Primatene Mist (epinephrine inhaler) | $53 per 1, 11.7 gm of 0.125 mcg/act inhaler | $30 per 1, 11.7 gm of 0.125 mcg/act inhaler of brand-name Primatene Mist at Kroger | See latest prices |
Is albuterol covered by insurance?
Albuterol is covered by many health insurance plans, including many Medicare drug plans and Medicaid. However, coverage and copay costs vary by plan. Some insurance plans may also have restrictions, such as quantity limits or prior authorization.
How to get albuterol without insurance
Albuterol HFA is a prescription rescue inhaler used to treat or prevent bronchospasm. At an average retail price of about $101 for one 8.5 g inhaler, the cost can add up for people without insurance. Although manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs may not be available for generic medications, there are other ways to save on albuterol.
1. Use a SingleCare coupon
One option is to use a prescription savings card from SingleCare. A SingleCare albuterol HFA discount coupon could lower the price of one 8.5 g inhaler from an average of $101 to as low as $21 at Walmart. That’s about 80% off the average albuterol inhaler cost without insurance. SingleCare is free to use, and registered members may be able to save even more. It’s also free to join.
2. Look for the lowest price
Retail prices for the same prescription can vary by pharmacy. Compare albuterol inhaler prices at nearby pharmacies to find the lowest available price.
3. Consider Medicaid or Medicare Low-Income Subsidy
If you qualify, Medicaid may help lower your prescription drug costs. People with Medicare who have limited income and resources may also qualify for Medicare Extra Help, a program that helps reduce Medicare Part D prescription costs. Eligibility requirements vary, so check your state Medicaid program or Medicare.gov for more information.
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The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Aug. 31, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- Albuterol sulfate aerosol prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2025)
- Help with drug costs, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (2026)
- Medically accurate: SingleCare’s Medical Review Board analyzes all of our content to confirm it’s in line with current medical advice.
- Evidence-based: Our content is sourced from reputable U.S.-based healthcare professionals and peer-reviewed research.
- Trustworthy: All of SingleCare’s content goes through a multi-phase review process by our writers, editors, and Medical Board in order to provide clear and credible information.