Albuterol HFA alternatives: What can I take instead of albuterol HFA?

In this article:

• Albuterol HFA alternatives
• Airsupra
• Symbicort or Breyna
• Ventolin or ProAir
• Albuterol nebulizer solution
• Xopenex HFA
• Which alternative is right for you?
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

In this article

• Albuterol HFA alternatives
• Airsupra
• Symbicort or Breyna
• Ventolin or ProAir
• Albuterol nebulizer solution
• Xopenex HFA
• Which alternative is right for you?
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

Albuterol HFA is a pressurized metered-dose inhaler that contains albuterol. It works as a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) and is used as a rescue inhaler to relieve asthma symptoms quickly. Newer asthma guidelines recommend using an anti-inflammatory reliever that combines an inhaled corticosteroid with formoterol. However, albuterol HFA alone remains a valid rescue inhaler for many people already receiving maintenance treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid. Because of costs, uncontrolled symptoms, and other factors, it’s common to look for an alternative option to albuterol HFA inhalers. 

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RELATED: Albuterol side effects and how to avoid them 

What can I take instead of albuterol HFA?

For quick relief in people with mild asthma, the newest treatment guidelines recommend using an anti-inflammatory reliever, which is either a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid with formoterol or an inhaled corticosteroid with albuterol. If you have moderate-to-severe asthma, you can use a combination inhaler like Symbicort or Breyna daily and as needed for quick relief. 

Top 5 albuterol HFA alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to albuterol HFA.

1. Airsupra 

According to the latest GINA treatment guidelines, an anti-inflammatory reliever medication such as Airsupra is now the go-to for quick relief in people with mild asthma. Airsupra is the newest rescue inhaler on this list, combining albuterol with the inhaled corticosteroid budesonide. It’s approved by the FDA for adults when severe symptoms arise, not as a daily medication. Instead of opening up the lungs with albuterol alone, the medication includes budesonide to help target the inflammation behind the attack. The only tradeoff is the cost, since it’s a brand-name product that can be expensive.

2. A combination inhaled corticosteroid with formoterol, such as Symbicort or Breyna

For some people with more severe asthma, a combination inhaler like Symbicort or Breyna may be an alternative to an albuterol HFA inhaler. These inhalers contain a fast-acting bronchodilator, formoterol, alongside budesonide to open the airways and reduce inflammation. Using a combination inhaler can help reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks more than albuterol alone. As part of what’s called maintenance and reliever therapy (MART), these inhalers can be used daily for prevention and as needed for quick relief.

3. A different albuterol inhaler, such as Ventolin or ProAir

If you’re already on a maintenance treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid, you can try using a different albuterol product. Ventolin HFA and generic albuterol HFA inhalers are metered-dose inhalers, while ProAir RespiClick is a dry powder inhaler that doesn’t require pressing down on the inhaler while breathing in. Although they contain the same active ingredient, some people may find that the feel and design of one inhaler works better for them than another. If cost is a concern, insurance plans generally prefer a specific albuterol HFA product, so check what’s covered under your plan.

4. Albuterol nebulizer solution

Albuterol can also be used with a nebulizer, which converts liquid medication into a mist that can be inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. 0.083% Albuterol inhalation solution is a common option for adults and children 2 years and older with asthma. A nebulizer is not as portable as an inhaler, and it can take more time to set up and administer a dose. However, it may be easier to use in young children, and it’s often a more affordable and accessible option than other inhalers.

5. Xopenex HFA 

Xopenex is a metered-dose inhaler that contains levalbuterol, a medication that is chemically similar to albuterol. It’s approved for adults and children 4 years and older with conditions like asthma or COPD. Unlike albuterol HFA, it is not approved for exercise-induced bronchospasm, although some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for this purpose. Xopenex is a brand-name inhaler that is also available as a generic version. 

RELATED: Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Which alternative is right for you?

There is no single best alternative to albuterol HFA that is right for everyone. The most appropriate option will depend on several factors, such as what you need it for and why you want to switch. 

• Age: Medications often have different age limits. For example, Airsupra is only approved for adults 18 and older, while albuterol nebulizer solutions can be used in children as young as 2. 
• Severity of symptoms: Those who need a rescue inhaler more than twice per week may be experiencing uncontrolled asthma. Therefore, it may be better to switch to an anti-inflammatory reliever or a daily controller rather than simply switching to an identical inhaler.
• Inhaler technique: For many people, it can be hard to coordinate pressing and inhaling at the same time. Instead of a metered-dose inhaler, it may be easier to use a dry powder inhaler, such as ProAir RespiClick, or a nebulizer. 
• Cost: Cost is usually a key factor for choosing a medication. If brand-name products like Airsupra and Xopenex are too expensive, lower-cost generic alternatives are available.
• Allergies: Some people may be allergic or sensitive to the active or inactive ingredients in certain inhalers. Some generic albuterol HFA inhalers may contain ethanol as an inactive ingredient that may cause reactions in those who are sensitive. In contrast, ProAir RespiClick contains lactose, which should be avoided in those with a milk protein allergy. 

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you’re considering switching medications. They can help determine the best option based on your overall medical condition.

Natural alternatives to albuterol HFA

There is no natural alternative that is proven to cure asthma or stop an asthma attack. Some natural methods may help manage symptoms, such as breathing techniques (like pursed-lip or belly breathing), yoga, and meditation. The American Lung Association recommends avoiding triggers that can set off symptoms. Common asthma triggers include:

• Air pollution
• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Exercise
• Food allergies, such as nuts and shellfish
• Humidity or sudden temperature changes
• Medications, such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Mold
• Respiratory infections
• Smoke from cigarettes, fireplaces, or burning leaves
• Stress
• Strong odors, such as perfumes and cleaning supplies
• Trees, grass, and pollen

Natural methods should be used as a complement to a healthcare provider’s treatment plan, not in place of it. Never substitute a breathing exercise for a rescue inhaler, and consult a healthcare provider before trying any natural therapies.

How to switch to an albuterol HFA alternative

If you’re interested in switching to an alternative to albuterol HFA:

1. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Only your healthcare provider can determine which medication is appropriate for you, taking into account your medical conditions, symptoms, medical history, and potential drug interactions. Also, ask your healthcare provider about getting two inhalers or extra refills, so you can have an extra inhaler on hand. It may help to keep one at home and one at work, for example.
2. If price is a concern, check your health insurance plan. Some alternatives may be less expensive than others. You can share this information with your healthcare provider when deciding on an alternative. You can also use a free SingleCare card to save on prescriptions and refills.
3. When you pick up the new prescription, read the label and the information leaflet carefully, and ask your pharmacist anything you’re unsure about. If it’s an inhaler, ask how to use, prime, and clean it. If it’s a nebulizer solution, make sure you have a nebulizer machine and tubing, as well as the correct-sized mask or mouthpiece. 
4. Monitor how you feel with the new medication. Keep an asthma diary or use an app. If you take daily medications, such as an inhaled corticosteroid, a combination inhaler, or an oral medicine like Singulair (montelukast), it’s important to take them every day. A phone reminder or weekly pill organizer can help.
5. Always call the pharmacy several days early when you need a refill, to allow time for processing, ordering, or any other unforeseen delays. 

Seek emergency medical attention if your rescue inhaler does not relieve your symptoms, or if you experience severe shortness of breath, trouble speaking, or blue lips or fingernails.