{"id":56403,"date":"2023-01-10T09:07:09","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T14:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56403"},"modified":"2026-08-13T15:02:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T19:02:32","slug":"albuterol-hfa-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/albuterol-hfa-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Albuterol HFA alternatives: What can I take instead of albuterol HFA?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Albuterol HFA<\/a> 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<\/a>. 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\u2019s common to look for an alternative option to albuterol HFA inhalers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Albuterol HFA with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAlbuterol HFA 8.5 gm of 90 mcg\/act (1 Inhaler)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$21.02\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$21.02\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSee Albuterol HFA prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Albuterol alternatives at a glance<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

If you need\u2026<\/b><\/td>\nBest option<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The same medication in a different inhaler<\/td>\nGeneric albuterol HFA or Ventolin HFA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
An anti-inflammatory reliever inhaler\u00a0<\/td>\nAirsupra (albuterol-budesonide)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maintenance and reliever therapy<\/td>\nSymbicort (budesonide-formoterol)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
An inhaler that’s easier to coordinate<\/td>\nProAir RespiClick (albuterol sulfate)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A different active ingredient<\/td>\nXopenex HFA (levalbuterol)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A nebulizer option for young children<\/td>\nAlbuterol nebulizer solution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
An over-the-counter option<\/td>\nPrimatene Mist (for mild, intermittent asthma only)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Albuterol side effects and how to avoid them<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

What can I take instead of albuterol HFA?<\/h2>\n

For quick relief in people with mild asthma<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Albuterol alternatives cost comparison<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nPrice without insurance<\/b><\/td>\nSingleCare price<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Albuterol HFA (generic)<\/td>\n$100 per 1, 8.5 gm of 90 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler<\/td>\n$21 per 1, 8.5 gm of 90 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler of generic albuterol HFA at Walmart<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Airsupra (albuterol-budesonide)<\/td>\n$688 per 1, 10.7 gm of 90-80 mcg\/act (120 inhalations) inhaler<\/td>\n$426 per 1, 10.7 gm of 90-80 mcg\/act (120 inhalations) inhaler of brand-name Airsupra at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Symbicort (budesonide-formoterol)<\/td>\n$484 per 1, 10.2gm of 160-4.5mcg\/act (120 inhalations) inhaler<\/td>\n$156 per 1, 10.2gm of 160-4.5mcg\/act (120 inhalations) inhaler of brand-name Symbicort at CVS<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ventolin HFA (albuterol)<\/td>\n$88 per 1, 18 gm of 90 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler<\/td>\n$21 per 1, 8.5 gm of 90 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler of generic albuterol HFA at Walmart<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ProAir RespiClick (albuterol)<\/td>\n$106 per 1, 0.65 gm of 108 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler powder<\/td>\n$71 per 1, 0.65 gm of 108 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler powder of brand-name ProAir RespiClick at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate)<\/td>\n$117 per 1, 15 gm of 45 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler<\/td>\n$62 per 1, 15 gm of 45 mcg\/act (200 inhalations) inhaler of brand-name Xopenex HFA at Kroger<\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top 5 albuterol HFA alternatives<\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to albuterol HFA.<\/p>\n

1. Airsupra\u00a0<\/h3>\n

According to the latest GINA treatment guidelines<\/a>, 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\u2019s 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<\/a>, since it\u2019s a brand-name product that can be expensive.<\/p>\n

2. A combination inhaled corticosteroid with formoterol, such as Symbicort or Breyna<\/h3>\n

For some people with more severe asthma, a combination inhaler like Symbicort or Breyna<\/a> 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\u2019s called maintenance and reliever therapy (MART), these inhalers can be used daily for prevention and as needed for quick relief.<\/p>\n

3. A different albuterol inhaler, such as Ventolin or ProAir<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re 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<\/a>, while ProAir RespiClick is a dry powder inhaler<\/a> 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\u2019s covered under your plan.<\/p>\n

4. Albuterol nebulizer solution<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> 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\u2019s often a more affordable and accessible option than other inhalers.<\/p>\n

5. Xopenex HFA\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Xopenex is a metered-dose inhaler that contains levalbuterol, a medication that is chemically similar to albuterol. It\u2019s 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<\/a> for this purpose. Xopenex is a brand-name inhaler that is also available as a generic version.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Which alternative is right for you?<\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n