Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate inhaler) prescription available online
If you are suffering from asthma, Ventolin HFA can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Ventolin HFA today from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Fast relief for asthma symptoms
COPD treatment option
Three FDA-approved uses
*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.
About Ventolin HFA
Ventolin HFA is considered an adrenergic bronchodilator, which functions by treating bronchospasm, which causes airways present in the lungs to become narrow. Like any adrenergic bronchodilator, this medication can only be used for the treatment and prevention of asthma attacks. It is not the same as once-daily medications used to provide a more significant reduction in the risk of paradoxical bronchospasm or similar complications.
Some conditions that Ventolin HFA is known to treat include asthma, exercise-induced bronchospasm, and sometimes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ventolin HFA is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including an albuterol inhaler.
Ventolin HFA may be prescribed as inhaled medicine. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Ventolin HFA, be sure to keep the inhaled medicines with you at all times. These asthma medications can help to provide fast relief in the case of asthma symptoms. The inhalation aerosol allows the albuterol sulfate in the formula to enter the lungs directly. This is a prescription inhaled medicine and comes with a patient information leaflet that you should read and follow to prevent inappropriate use.
Ventolin HFA uses
There are three FDA-approved uses for Ventolin HFA, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Asthma
Ventolin HFA is primarily indicated for use as asthma medication. The inhaler can sometimes be combined with other inhaled medicines to provide more significant relief. The albuterol inhaler should be used in patients with asthma when asthma symptoms develop. This is due to the fast-acting mechanism of the albuterol sulfate in the Ventolin HFA inhaler. For this reason, this is often referred to as a rescue inhaler.
Exercise-induced bronchospasm
Patients who experience asthma symptoms when they exercise have a condition known as exercise-induced bronchospasm. In this case, albuterol sulfate may also be a treatment option. The Ventolin HFA passes the main ingredients into the lungs to reduce the risk and symptoms of exercise-induced bronchospasm. Patients with this condition often use their inhaler prior to the start of their exercise.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sometimes, a healthcare provider will prescribe a patient inhaled medicine if they have chronic obstructive airway disease (COPD). Chronic obstructive airway disease refers to several different health conditions. The patient may be provided with other inhaled drugs in combination with Ventolin HFA. This can help to provide both long and short-term treatment solutions.
Ventolin HFA side effects
The side effects associated with taking Ventolin HFA are typically mild to moderate. Most Ventolin HFA side effects are associated with the cardiovascular system and nerves. Ventolin HFA has some common side effects. They may include:
Feeling nervous
Shaking
Headache
Body aches
Back pain
Coughing
A sore throat
Runny or a stuffy nose
Sinus-related pain symptoms
Fast or pounding heartbeats
Chest pain
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:High blood sugar: It is sometimes possible for Ventolin HFA to cause an increase in blood glucose levels. This is especially an important factor to consider if other drugs may also cause an increase in blood sugar.
Low potassium levels: If the patient uses Ventolin HFA, then they may experience a decline in potassium levels. This can cause cramps, irregular heartbeats, an increase in urination, and make the patient experience muscle weakness.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
Call your doctor if you have severe headaches that feel like a pounding in your ears or neck. You should also contact your doctor if you have very fast or pounding heartbeats combined with chest pain and a fluttering feel in your chest.
It is also important to look out for signs of allergic reactions. If the patient experiences allergic reactions, then they will likely require medical help immediately. A serious allergic reaction can be fatal in some cases.
How to take Ventolin HFA
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Ventolin HFA prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Ventolin HFA can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The healthcare provider will usually tell you how many times you can use the Ventolin HFA canister per day. Try to avoid using the medicine more than this, as it may lead to a high concentration of the active ingredients in your bloodstream. You should also learn how to store Ventolin HFA properly.
Always take note of the expiration date stated on the canister. Ventolin HFA is best stored at room temperature. Do not expose it to high temperatures or allow it to come near a flame.
What to avoid while taking Ventolin HFA
Ventolin HFA has a few reported drug interactions. This may not include all interactions. Patients still need to be careful with both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to ask your doctor for medical advice when taking Ventolin HFA. Do not take Ventolin HFA without the guidance of a physician if you are taking Digoxin, diuretics, and other inhaled medicines that are classified as bronchodilators. It is also important to be careful about using Ventolin HFA with antidepressants, beta-blockers, and MAO inhibitors.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Ventolin HFA.
Alcohol consumption may cause adverse reactions in certain cases.
Medication alternatives to Ventolin HFA
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another bronchodilator or an asthma medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Asthma treatment
Asthma prevention
There are several scenarios where a doctor may prefer preventative medications in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive airway disease. In this case, the doctor may prescribe an alternative to Ventolin HFA. This inhalation aerosol may sometimes be used alongside another inhaler to help with breathing problems.
Steroid inhalers
Ciclesonide
Mometasone
Beclometasone
Combined Steroid/Long acting beta agonist inhalers
COPD Prevention
Similar to medications used to prevent asthma exacerbations, there are medications to help prevent COPD exacerbations as well. These are a few of the medications that are used to prevent COPD exacerbations.
Long acting anti-muscurinic inhaler
Long acting beta agonist inhaler
Sarevent
Striverdi
Combined Steroid/Long acting beta agonist inhalers
Advair
Wixela
Dulera
Symbicort
Breo Ellipta
Ventolin HFA Prescription FAQs
How much does Ventolin HFA cost?
The cost depends on the dose, whether you require an inhaler with a dose counter, and where you get your prescription refill.
How can I refill my Ventolin HFA prescription?
Ventolin HFA is only available by prescription, so you will need to see a board-certified doctor to get a refill on your prescription. To get started, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After a qualifying evaluation, your prescription will be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
Who should not take Ventolin HFA?
You should not take Ventolin HFA if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol, which is the active ingredient in Ventolin. If you have a history of palpitations, fast heart rate or high sugars, please discuss with your physician whether Ventolin or another inhaler may be better suited for your health care needs.
How often can I use my Ventolin HFA inhaler?
These inhalers are used as needed, but you should not use them too close to each other. Usually the medication is prescribed every four hours as needed for asthma or COPD symptoms. However, this frequency may differ depending on your health condition, so please discuss this with your healthcare provider.
What happens if you don't rinse your mouth after using an inhaler?
Small amounts of the ingredients can stick to your throat and inside your mouth, which can raise the risk of developing thrush. This can cause a white layer to develop on your tongue. Oral thrush usually is most common with steroid-based inhalers and does not usually occur when using Ventolin HFA, which does not contain any steroids.
What happens if I miss a dose of Ventolin HFA?
You should use this medication as needed in case you feel asthma symptoms developing. Thus, it is very unlikely to have a missed dose when you use this prescription inhaled medicine.
What happens if I take too much Ventolin HFA?
Only take as much of the inhaler as prescribed by your doctor. If you take too much of the inhaler, you may experience severe side effects. This also raises the risk of drug interactions, in which case the adverse reactions may be more significant compared to only using the prescribed dose of the medication.
Is albuterol available over the counter?
Albuterol is available only by doctor's prescription in the United States. Regular doctor visits are key to managing asthma to ensure you get the right medication, dose, and treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively. We have board-certified, online physicians available 24/7. In less than an hour, get diagnosed, discuss treatment options, and get a prescription for the right inhaler to treat your bronchospasm symptoms.
3 simple steps to request your Ventolin HFA prescription today
Step 1
Book a Ventolin HFA prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Ventolin HFA prescription.
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your inhaler.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Ventolin HFA prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Ventolin HFA prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
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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.
Ventolin HFA prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Ventolin Official Website. Ventolin, Accessed October 11, 2023, https://www.ventolin.com/
Drugs.com. Ventolin Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com." Accessed October 11, 2023, https://www.drugs.com/ventolin.html
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.