Asthma Inhaler Prescription
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Asthma inhaler prescription
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Asthma inhaler prescription available online

Get an inhaler prescription online to help manage asthma. Get a new prescription or refill for asthma inhalers from a board-certified primary care doctor today.*

Breathe easy with Asthma inhalersOnline support for Asthma managementMetered dose inhalers for long-term relief
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
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About asthma inhalers

Asthma inhalers are medications designed to relax the muscles around the airways and reduce inflammation in the airways. They’re often prescribed to help treat asthma attacks and prevent asthma symptoms, but they’re also occasionally used for other conditions such as COPD or cough associated with acute upper respiratory infections such as the common cold or bronchitis.

What asthma inhalers treat

The most common condition treated with asthma inhalers is asthma. Long-acting bronchodilators (such as salmeterol or formoterol) are designed to be inhaled through the mouth and into the lungs, which helps relax the muscles that tighten around your airways. Long-acting bronchodilators help to open the airway so air can move in and out of your lungs more easily. They are most commonly available in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, in products such as Advair (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol).  
 
Short-acting bronchodilators are used as "quick relief" or "rescue" inhalers to quickly open the airways, reduce airway inflammation, and relieve an acute asthma attack. The most commonly used example of a short-acting bronchodilator is albuterol, which is available as a generic inhaler or nebulizer form, and also available in several brand name products including Proventil, Ventolin, ProAir and MaxAir. 
 
While short-acting bronchodilators are typically used to stop a sudden asthma attack, they can also be used before exercise to help prevent symptoms during a workout. They may also be used for people experiencing cough and wheeze symptoms caused by an acute upper respiratory infection. 

Types of asthma inhalers available online

The four types of inhaled asthma medications: metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, breath actuated inhalers, and soft mist inhalers. To prescribe the best asthma medication for you, your healthcare provider will help you find the right balance that suits your asthma symptoms.

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs)

Metered dose inhalers are the main treatment for the long-term maintenance of asthma. These inhalers contain a canister containing inhaled asthma medication that fits into a plastic mouthpiece. You can easily release asthma medication by pressing on the canister.

Some metered dose inhalers release medication automatically. Some inhalers also have built-in dose counters so you can quickly check how many doses are left.

Metered dose inhalers are sometimes taken with other asthma medications, such as biologics, to better control asthma symptoms. Metered dose inhalers may also be prescribed to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Examples of metered dose inhalers include:
Fluticasone propionate
Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol)
ProAir HFA (albuterol sulfate)

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)

Dry powder inhalers are also used to treat asthma symptoms. Instead of propelling medication out of the inhaler, a dry powder inhaler releases medication when you take a fast breath. DPIs come in two forms: multiple-dose devices and single-dose devices.

Examples of dry powder inhalers include:
Advair (fluticasone-propionate/salmeterol)
Pulmicort Flexhaler (budensonide)

Breath-actuated inhalers

Breath-actuated inhalers deliver inhaled asthma medications directly to the lungs. With breath-actuated inhalers, combined inhalation and propellant send asthma medication to your lungs so it can start treating symptoms quickly.

Examples of breath-actuated inhalers include:
Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol)
Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide)
Qvar Redihaler (beclomethasone dipropionate)
Dulera inhaler

How asthma inhalers work

Asthma inhalers relax the muscles around the airways so you can breathe easier, and some inhalers help reduce inflammation in the airways. Several inhalers have a combination of medications to work both ways. Short-acting bronchodilators, or "rescue" inhalers, help ease asthma attacks when you're breathless, wheezing, or tight-chested. This makes the airways wider, providing quick relief for asthma symptoms.

 

Long-acting bronchodilators are typically taken once to twice every day to prevent asthma symptoms. These medications are almost always combined with an inhaled steroid, which works by reducing airway inflammation. Steroid inhalers take a few days to build up an effect, therefore these inhalers will not relieve severe asthma symptoms as quickly as rescue inhalers. For this reason, people living with moderate to severe asthma should have daily controller asthma inhalers and rescue inhalers available for best management of their symptoms. Your board-certified primary care physician can help create a care plan that is right for you. 

Side effects of asthma inhalers

When taken as prescribed, asthma inhalers are generally well tolerated. However, they can still cause some side effects. The more common side effects of asthma inhalers include:

  • Sore throat

  • Hoarse voice

  • Oral thrush

  • Nosebleeds

  • Cough


In rare cases, asthma inhalers may cause serious side effects. These can include:

  • Allergic reaction to inhaled corticosteroids

  • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

  • Worsening asthma or bronchospasm

Asthma inhalers risks

Asthma inhalers are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

Before you take a prescribed asthma inhaler, be sure to tell your doctor, during an online doctor visit, if you have any of the following conditions or issues:

  • Glaucoma or cataracts

  • Heart disease or high blood pressure

  • Seizures

  • Diabetes

  • Weakened immune system

  • Chronic infections

  • Osteoporosis

  • Thyroid disorder

  • Liver or kidney disease

Asthma inhalers drug interactions

When you begin a new medication, tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you take. Some medications that might interact with an asthma inhaler include:

  • Antifungal medicine, such as ketoconazole

  • Medicine used to treat HIV or AIDs

  • Antidepressant medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants

  • Blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and diuretics

Asthma inhalers FAQs

How should I take asthma inhalers?

Use your inhaler as prescribed by your doctor. Most metered dose inhalers are used by holding the mouthpiece down, placing your lips around the mouthpiece, and forming a tight seal. As you breathe in through your mouth, press down on the inhaler to release the asthma medication. Breathe in slowly and deeply until you're finished inhaling the dose.

Who shouldn’t take asthma inhalers?

To make sure oral corticosteroids are safe for you, talk to your doctor either through a traditional in-person visit or an online doctor consultation if you have any of the following health conditions:

  • Glaucoma or cataracts

  • Heart disease or high blood pressure

  • Seizures

  • Diabetes

  • Weakened immune system

  • Chronic infections

  • Osteoporosis

  • Thyroid disorder

  • Liver or kidney disease

How long does it take for asthma inhalers to work?

Short-acting bronchodilators, or "rescue" inhalers, start working to relieve symptoms within 15–20 minutes. The effects of this type of inhaled medicine usually last between four and six hours.

Unlike a rescue inhaler, a long-acting bronchodilator/inhaled steroid combinationtakes longer to relieve symptoms. When you start taking medication for long-term control, it may take several days and possibly up to 4 weeks before you notice symptom improvement.

What should I avoid with asthma inhalers?

If you're using an inhaler to control asthma symptoms, take steps to avoid common asthma triggers such as:

  • Tobacco smoke

  • Dust mites

  • Outdoor air pollution

  • Pet fur and dander

  • Mold

  • Cleaning and disinfecting products

Do people with asthma use inhalers every day?

Yes, many people with asthma use inhalers once or twice daily. In most cases, inhaled corticosteroids are meant to be used daily to keep your airways healthy, even if you're not actively experiencing symptoms.

While some people don't need daily medication to manage asthma symptoms, everyone who has asthma should carry a rescue inhaler to manage sudden asthma attacks.

What is the most common inhaler for asthma?

The most commonly prescribed inhaler for asthma is ProAir HFA (albuterol). Albuterol is available as a nebulizer solution and as an inhaler used for quick relief of asthma symptoms 

Do you need a prescription for an asthma inhaler?

No, you don't need a prescription for an inhaler. Over-the-counter inhalers are available at drugstores without any prescription, but these tend to be less effective at managing attacks and more likely to cause mild side effects. However, severe asthma and frequent attacks typically require prescription inhalers and a long-term care plan. 

What is an inhaler used for?

Inhalers are the primary treatment for asthma and asthma attacks. Using your inhaler correctly delivers inhaled asthma medications to your lungs, where they work to control your symptoms or relieve sudden attacks.

3 simple steps to getting asthma inhalers online

Asthma inhalers pricing details

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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Asthma inhalers resources

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