Is the new Ventolin inhaler as good as the old Albuterol inhaler?

1 Mar 2008

Hi, Ventolin HFA inhaler is Albuterol. No real difference, the same drug is in both ventilators that relaxes throat muscles to increase ability to breath. You will have to do the research yourself but many of the differences are based on the propellant used (older ones use CFC's that burn holes in the ozone layer) and are being phased out. The Ventolin inhaler also comes in a form that has a counter on it which might be helpful for monitoring your childs usage. Inhalers are commonly misused by kids. Either way, don't fear the new product it is better for the environment. Also, many of the differences between Albuterol based inhalers are in terms of cost. Your insurance might pay for most or all of a generic brand while making you pay for 80 percent of ventolin. Disclaimer, I use Ventolin HFA for occasional exorcise induced asthma.

7 Mar 2008

Thank you for your response and input. I'm still researching. :)

14 Mar 2011

I have had asthma since 1985. I miss the old Albuterol inhaler and do not like the Ventolin inhaler. It does not work as well as the old Albuterol inhaler for me.
I have been having a lot of trouble this winter with Ventolin inhaler and the cold air. I have a neb machine and can take an Albuterol vial which has been a life saver. I do not understand the issue of the Ventolin inhaler with the environment.
Other asthma medicine I take are Severent diskus, Singulair and Flovent inhaler.
I had no problem using the medicine in the spring, summer and fall and this is the first year I have reacted to the cold winter weather.
A lot of my friends and my grandson are having problems with the Ventolin Inhaler being a quick react medicine. It works slower than the Albuterol Vials taken with my nebulizer machine. I am hoping that it works better now that Spring is almost here.