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Asthma Inhalers
Asthma inhaler prescription available online
Get an inhaler prescription online to help manage asthma or COPD. Get a new prescription or refill for asthma inhalers from a top-rated doctor today.*
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Metered dose inhalers for long-term relief
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About asthma inhalers
Asthma inhalers are medications designed to relax the muscles around the airways. They’re often prescribed to help treat asthma attacks and prevent asthma symptoms, but they’re also used for other conditions. There are four prescription inhalers: metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, breath-actuated inhalers, and soft mist inhalers.
What asthma inhalers treat
The most common condition treated with asthma inhalers is asthma symptoms. Long-acting bronchodilators (inhalers) are designed to breathe through the mouth and into the lungs, which helps you 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.
Other conditions are also treated with inhaled asthma medications, including asthma attacks. 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.
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.
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: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: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:Accuhaler
Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol)
Respimat (tiotropium bromide)
Soft mist inhalers
Soft mist inhalers are propellant-free inhalers. These inhalers are usually more significant than the traditional metered dose inhaler. Soft mist inhalers release a mist that can be slowly inhaled over an extended period. These inhalers can be used with a valve-holding chamber or face mask in small children.
Examples of soft mist inhalers and asthma inhalers include:Respimat (tiotropium bromide)
How asthma inhalers work
Asthma inhalers relax the muscles around the airways so you can breathe easier. 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 every day to prevent asthma symptoms. These medications usually contain a steroid, which works by reducing airway inflammation. Steroid inhalers take a few days to build up an effect, and these inhalers will not relieve severe asthma symptoms as quickly as rescue inhalers.
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
Seizure
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 you can get online
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
Seizure
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 inhaled medicines usually last between four and six hours.
Unlike a reliever inhaler, a long-acting bronchodilator takes longer to relieve symptoms. When you start taking medication for long-term control, it may take 2–4 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 (or preventer) inhaler to manage attacks.What is the most common inhaler for asthma?
The most commonly prescribed inhaler for asthma is ProAir HFA (albuterol). ProAir HFA is available as a nebulizer solution and as an inhaler used for quick relief. It
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. However, severe asthma and frequent attacks typically require prescription inhalers.
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
Step 1
Book an appointment to discuss asthma inhalers.
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Step 2
Talk to your doctor about asthma inhalers online.
See a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your inhaler.
We can send asthma inhalers to any local pharmacy.
Asthma inhalers pricing details
How pricing works
To get asthma inhalers online, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
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$16.99/month
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
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Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Asthma inhalers resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Inhaled Asthma Medications. Accessed on October 19, 2022. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/asthma/inhaled-asthma-medications
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Treatment. Accessed on October 19, 2022. https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/
Mayo Clinic. Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you? Accessed on October 19, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-inhalers/art-20046382
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.