General

Albuterol Price Without Insurance

Albuterol is a fast-acting rescue inhaler used to quickly open up your airways when you have trouble breathing. It is used to treat or prevent chest tightness and wheezing for about $6.69 per month.

Pricing data verified against NADAC (CMS) acquisition cost dataset. Drug information sourced from FDA drug labeling data. Last reviewed .
NADAC Data (CMS) FDA Drug Labels
Direct Answer — What Is Albuterol?

Albuterol is a medicine you breathe in to help relax the muscles in your lungs and open your airways. It is used to quickly treat or prevent breathing problems caused by conditions like asthma or exercise.

$6.69Cash Price / MonthNADAC, CMS
$0.03Lowest Unit PriceNADAC May 2026
$2.13Highest Unit PriceNADAC May 2026
$20.0790-Day SupplyEstimated
Albuterol
Brand name: Ventolin · General medication
General
Cash Price / Month
$6.69
30-day supply estimate
Unit Price Range
$0.03 – $2.13
per unit · NADAC May 2026
90-Day Supply
$20.07
estimated cash price

Cheapest way to get Albuterol

With insurance vs. without insurance

Without Insurance
$6.69/mo
Cash price · NADAC median
With Insurance (estimate)
$2–$4/mo
Copay varies by plan & formulary tier

Always compare your insurance copay against cash + GoodRx — sometimes cash is cheaper.

What Is Albuterol?

Albuterol is known as a "rescue" medicine because it starts working very quickly to help you breathe. It belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators, which are treatments that help open up the breathing tubes in your lungs. It is safe for adults and children aged 4 years and older. You can find this medicine as a generic called Albuterol Sulfate, or under the brand name Ventolin HFA. Both contain the same active medicine, but the generic version is often less expensive.

What Is Albuterol Used For?

  • Quick relief for chest tightness and wheezing
  • Prevention of breathing trouble caused by exercise
  • Opening of narrowed airways in people with asthma

How Does Albuterol Work?

Imagine the small breathing tubes in your lungs are like flexible hoses. When you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing, the muscles around those hoses squeeze tight, making it very hard for air to get through. Albuterol acts like a gentle hand that tells those tight muscles to relax. Once the muscles loosen up, the "hoses" open back up to their normal size, allowing air to flow in and out of your lungs easily again.

Dosage Form & Route

This medicine is a liquid spray that you breathe in through your mouth using a small handheld device called an inhaler.

This is general information only. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for your specific dosage.

Important Warnings

  • Rarely, this medicine can cause your breathing to get suddenly worse right after using it. If this happens, stop using it and seek help.
  • If you find you need to use your inhaler more often than usual, it may mean your breathing condition is getting worse and you should talk to your doctor.
  • This medicine can cause your heart to beat faster or your blood pressure to rise.
  • Do not use more of this medicine than your doctor has told you to use.
  • Do not use this if you have had an allergic reaction to albuterol in the past.

Common Side Effects

The following side effects have been reported with Albuterol. This is not a complete list. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience unexpected symptoms.

Sore or scratchy throatCoughingDizzinessFast or racing heartbeatShakiness or tremorsMuscle pain

Generic vs. Brand Name

Yes — a generic version of Albuterol is available and is typically much cheaper than the brand-name version.

The brand name for Albuterol is Ventolin. Generic versions contain the same active ingredient, dosage, and strength, but may cost significantly less.

This medicine is currently approved by the FDA and is not listed under a DEA controlled schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Albuterol used for?

It is a fast-acting medicine used to open up your airways when you feel short of breath, wheezy, or have chest tightness. It is also used right before exercise to prevent breathing problems.

Does Albuterol have a generic?

Yes, it is available as a generic called Albuterol Sulfate. It works the same way as the brand-name version, Ventolin HFA.

How much does Albuterol cost without insurance?

The monthly cash price for this medicine is approximately $6.69, though prices can range depending on the specific type of inhaler you get.

What are common side effects of Albuterol?

Many people notice a bit of throat irritation, a cough, or a faster heartbeat. Some people may also feel slightly dizzy or shaky after using it.

How to Save on Albuterol

  • Use GoodRx or RxSaver to instantly compare prices at pharmacies near you
  • Ask your doctor about switching to the generic — it contains the same active ingredient at a fraction of the price
  • Ask your pharmacist for a 90-day fill — it often costs less per pill than a monthly prescription
  • Compare your insurance copay against the cash + GoodRx price — cash can sometimes be cheaper
  • Check Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs — transparency pricing often undercuts traditional pharmacies
Price data sourced from NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) published by CMS, last updated May 2026. Drug information sourced from FDA drug labeling data via the openFDA API. Prices represent pharmacy acquisition cost and do not include dispensing fees, insurance adjustments, or retail markup. Actual prices will vary. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for medical guidance.

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