Back to Medications Guide

Asthma Rescue Inhalers · Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) — bronchodilator

Albuterol Inhaler (ProAir, Ventolin): Get a Prescription Online

Brand names: ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir RespiClick

Last reviewed June 9, 2026 · Medically reviewed by AllergyCenter

Get Albuterol

Need a prescription?

Allergist Review — $49

For prescription strengths, combination products, or higher doses.

  • New albuterol prescription (ProAir, Ventolin, or generic)
  • Refill of an existing rescue inhaler prescription
  • Switch between brands or to a dry-powder inhaler (ProAir RespiClick)
  • Pair with a daily controller inhaler if needed
Start $49 Review

Reviewed within 24 hours. Rx sent to your pharmacy or shipped to your door.

Albuterol is the most prescribed asthma rescue medication in the US. It rapidly relaxes the muscles around the airways, opening them so air can move freely. Most patients feel relief within minutes.

Because albuterol is prescription-only, an allergist needs to review your case before prescribing. Our $49 async review covers your symptom history, current asthma plan, and whether albuterol is the right rescue inhaler for you.

Quick Facts

Generic name
Albuterol sulfate (also called salbutamol)
Brand names
ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir RespiClick (dry powder)
Drug class
Short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) bronchodilator
Form
Metered-dose inhaler (200 puffs per inhaler), nebulizer solution
OTC or Rx
Prescription only in the US
Typical adult dose
2 puffs every 4–6 hours as needed for symptoms; 2 puffs 15 minutes before exercise
Onset of action
Within minutes; effects last 4–6 hours

TL;DR — At a Glance

  • ·Albuterol is the standard rescue inhaler for asthma symptoms and exercise-induced wheezing.
  • ·Works within minutes; effects last 4–6 hours.
  • ·Prescription only — requires an allergist review before it can be prescribed.
  • ·Common side effects: rapid heartbeat, tremor, jitteriness, headache.
  • ·Should not be the only asthma medication for moderate or severe asthma — most patients also need a daily controller inhaler.

Get an albuterol prescription

A board-certified allergist will review your asthma symptoms and rescue inhaler needs, then send the prescription to your local pharmacy or ship it to your door.

Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without consulting a qualified provider.