Albuterol User Reviews & Ratings
Brand names: Ventolin HFA, Ventolin, ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir RespiClick Vospire ER
Albuterol has an average rating of 3.2 out of 10 from a total of 383 reviews on Drugs.com. 19% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 71% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
---|---|---|---|
Asthma, acute | 185 reviews for Asthma, acute | 167 medications | |
Asthma, Maintenance | 104 reviews for Asthma, Maintenance | 124 medications | |
COPD, Maintenance | 34 reviews for COPD, Maintenance | 53 medications | |
COPD, Acute | 31 reviews for COPD, Acute | 25 medications | |
Bronchiectasis | 16 reviews for Bronchiectasis | 154 medications | |
Bronchospasm Prophylaxis | 11 reviews for Bronchospasm Prophylaxis | 15 medications | |
Asthma | 1 reviews for Asthma | 148 medications | |
COPD | 1 reviews for COPD | 45 medications |
Reviews for Albuterol
- Bec...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- July 20, 2021
Ventolin (albuterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I have used Ventolin for around 35 years, and since the counter was introduced, I no longer find my Ventolin puffer effective, and flare-ups are now common. It is like the doses are smaller, and I often need additional doses for relief. Would be great if we had the choice to buy either counter or counter-free versions."
- Kat...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 30, 2021
Ventolin (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "Since the introduction of the new metered dose, both my son (27 yrs) and I find the delivery is no longer the same as the predecessor. We feel we are using more to get the same effect because two puffs no longer give the same relief. I have no idea why companies seek to make improvements without adequate testing on those who require the medication because, from those I have asked directly, no one was happy with the so-called improvement."
Frequently asked questions
- Can asthma inhalers cause a sore throat?
- Can you use an expired albuterol inhaler?
- Does either Ventolin or albuterol contain steroids?
- Does coffee help with asthma?
- aco...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 27, 2020
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I have used Ventolin for many years and find that it works very well. My insurance switched me from Ventolin to ProAir, and it was horrible. My asthma attack became worse, and I ended up in the ER. I could not breathe at all. I told my doctor, and she is trying to get me back on Ventolin, and it is a battle. They do not want to put me back on it. I guess I have to die before they see that ProAir does not work!"
- Jaz...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 17, 2021
Ventolin (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I have used Ventolin since 1986 successfully. Since introducing the metered dose to the product, I find Ventolin not effective, my voice has become husky. The medication does not do the job anymore, it sits in my throat. I have spoken to other sufferers of asthma, and a few have said the same. I have no choice but to change products after all these years. I can’t afford to risk a fatal asthma attack, plus I noticed asthma deteriorating even with preventive medication being taken. I hope the manufacturer will look into this problem."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 2, 2020
For COPD, Maintenance "Cannot remove Perrigo albuterol sulfate canister from the body of the inhaler, even with a pair of pliers! Removal of canister is necessary every five days to rinse through the inhaler, or it clogs up and is unusable. The 'rescue inhaler' is absolutely essential in the management of severe emphysema... HELP! What can I do until Teva improves the design of their new inhaler?"
- Ast...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 2, 2018
ProAir RespiClick (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I've been a nurse with a private asthma and allergy practice for nearly four years now. I have also used the ProAir RespiClick device for my reactive airway symptoms to determine why my patients are complaining that they aren't experiencing any symptom relief with it. I have no idea how the ProAir RespiClick even made it through trials to be approved for patient use. This device is only activated if the patient is able to inhale forcefully and deeply enough to cause the powder to be released and inhaled. In the event of an asthmatic episode, the patient is already struggling to breathe deeply and forcefully, hence their urgent need for relief. If someone can't breathe, it makes no sense that their lifesaving medication won't work unless their lung function isn't compromised. That would be like asking someone who is choking on food to swallow a pill to dislodge the food and save their life. No common sense here, manufacturers."
More FAQ
- What is albuterol sulfate and can I take it if I'm allergic to sulfa?
- How do you use the ProAir Digihaler?
- Emergency Treatment Plans for Allergic Reactions in Children
- The in's and out's of Proper Inhaler Use
- Anonymous
- January 23, 2009
Ventolin HFA (albuterol) for COPD, Maintenance "My husband has COPD and our doctor recently changed his albuterol inhaler to Ventolin. His other one was not working like it should. He has been on the Ventolin for about 2 weeks and it works great. He does not have to use it as much and it lasts much longer than his previous one. He loves this inhaler."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 23, 2020
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I have had asthma since 1982, and I am a respiratory therapist. I have used various inhalers and SVNs over many years. I've always thought the ProAir was awful, but the Perrigo Albuterol, a generic for ProAir, is the WORST. This inhaler is not safe to be used as a rescue inhaler. I believe that patients will flock to the ER because the inhaler gives NO relief. I had to buy a new inhaler within a couple of days of this purchase because it's THAT BAD. When I get refills now, I refuse to take this brand. It's absolutely useless, and the taste is so bad."
- Jea...
- May 28, 2020
For COPD, Maintenance "The first time I used it, it stopped dispensing meds after 4 uses. Took it to Walgreens where the canister was extremely difficult for the pharmacist to get out. She cleaned it and gave it back to me. 3 days later, I decided to try this particular canister again. Nothing was dispensed. I requested that my physician order only Pro Air. Went to Walgreens and was given the same awkward, useless inhaler. I’m extremely frustrated with allergy symptoms getting bad. I’m afraid to go anywhere without taking 2 with me and something to be able to pry out the canister with and hope it works."
- Anonymous
- September 11, 2019
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "This is the worst inhaler. I have occasional asthma attacks and need a rescue inhaler. I have used the ProAir, waited an hour, and had to use it again. I was having to use my nebulizer to get any relief since this useless inhaler doesn't work. My doctor demanded the insurance company put me back on Ventolin. After one dose of Ventolin, I had instant relief from my asthma attack. They need to get rid of ProAir."
- J73...
- June 22, 2020
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I love the regular ProAir in the red plastic with a white cap. I was given the generic ProAir in the weird half white, half clear plastic casing with the weird red cap. The first thing I noticed is that it tastes disgusting. I nearly threw up the first time I took it. For the next 30 puffs, I couldn’t take it without having a strong-flavored drink to chase it, or I’d gag and throw up. But the worst part is that the inhaler fell out of my purse and onto the floor two days ago and stopped working altogether. It may dispense half a puff or a quarter puff and then nothing. I took the canister out to clean it because I thought it was clogged, but now when I press down on it, it comes out the hole where the cap locks in! What?! I pay $50 a month for this, and now I can’t use it with 130 puffs left! I’m hoping I can just switch the canister into an old red ProAir chamber and it works. The generic design is crap."
- Eri...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 6, 2020
For COPD, Maintenance "My insurance company only covers this new generic version of Albuterol Sulfate HFA 90MCG inhaler manufactured by Perrigo. It is terrible. First, it does not come in a sealed packet, it is just in the box. Secondly, the safety cap is not attached to the spray unit and is difficult to remove. Thirdly, the spray is very, very weak. I have used Ventolin and other versions of Ventolin in the past and was always completely satisfied. This new generic version is terrible!"
- JJa...
- October 9, 2019
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I absolutely, 100%, loathe this ProAir inhaler!!! Complete garbage. My insurance company tries to deny my Ventolin prescription (the inhaler that actually relieves my asthma symptoms) every year and tries to make me purchase this one instead. I honestly don't understand how ProAir is still being sold, especially considering the negative reviews and comments regarding it or just the simple fact that it does not work."
- ain...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 21, 2020
For COPD, Maintenance "I was given the new Perrigo albuterol inhaler by my pharmacy after getting the generic ProAir inhaler. The first Perrigo inhaler stopped working with 44 inhalations left. I decided that it might need to be cleaned. The delivery device has a clear plastic cover over the canister and is not possible to remove without using a screwdriver to pop the clear plastic part off. It is very poorly designed. Once I removed the canister, the delivery device fell apart. I cleaned it, but it still did not work properly. The pharmacy once again gave me the same inhaler, and I thought I would give it another try. This time it stopped working with 110 inhalations left. I believe this is such a poorly designed inhaler, and it can be dangerous for someone who needs immediate relief."
- Kar...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 24, 2020
Ventolin (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I've been using Ventolin for 25 years and now it's causing dizziness. It also doesn't work like it used to. I've noticed, and clearly others have noticed that there's a problem with these inhalers. GSK needs to be investigated. I don't get these effects from a nebulizer."
- Can...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- August 15, 2019
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I used Proventil for over 40 years. One dose stopped my asthma attacks. My insurance is forcing me to use ProAir. It was slower acting, and now it is no relief. I went from using Proventil to ProAir plus two maintenance medicines and a nebulizer. Now I have to go to the emergency room to get relief because the ProAir still doesn't work hours later. Insurance is not saving money, and they are risking lives."
- bre...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- August 2, 2021
Ventolin (albuterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "Omg! I thought I was the only one. I only started Googling out of frustration. I usually wake up during my sleep feeling breathless, but I'm not getting a sufficient dose of Ventolin with this counter. I didn't think anything of it at first, but now that I've used it for some time, I hate it. I'm having to use so many puffs and still not getting enough and then panic because I'm stressing and can't breathe. This new Ventolin is ineffective, and whoever came up with the idea should be sacked. I don't think the creators realize that when you're short of breath, the first metered dose doesn't go past your throat, and it's the second puff that gets down to help relieve you. I found the other comments very helpful and will be looking to get an alternative without the counter."
- Rea...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- September 16, 2018
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for COPD, Acute "I have to say that this inhaler is nothing but a joke, perpetrated by the manufacturer. First, the medicine is never effective! Second, the delivery system constantly clogs, and you have to soak it and wait for it to dry. Last, the counter does not work right. More than half the time, it just does not work because something is wrong with the delivery system and will not be replaced by the manufacturer! That they make you go without is a crime against every user! This product should be outlawed! This is a very poor inhaler! I do not recommend anyone use this product. If your doctor prescribes it, ask for a different one! If I could have given a rating of minus 10, I would have!"
- Lis...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 24, 2020
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "Update: I went to the Perrigo site. At the 'contact us' portion, I gave my complaint regarding the taste, the low effectiveness, and the problem with not being able to get the canister out to wash it. THEY CALLED ME!!! It was a great conversation. They were very kind, took a survey, and are refunding my copay. They are very much concerned, as this is their first launch of this product. Please join me in contacting them so they can correct this product."
- Eve...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 19, 2020
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I have asthma for over 40 years. ProAir is the worst inhaler for any asthmatic. As with several others, insurance switched my Ventolin to this ProAir. When I needed it, it only made things worse during an attack. After giving this inhaler a try for 3 months, I explained what was happening, and my doctor made notes to make the insurance company put me back on Ventolin."
- Sam...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 29, 2018
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "Why is this still on the market? The inhaler, as I already did complain about years ago, does NOT puff adequately at all into the lungs or even the throat, it barely puffs into the mouth! Not enough medicine gets to the back of the throat or lungs! This is a weak inhaler-take this off the market!"
- Ano...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- April 25, 2018
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, Maintenance "I use an inhaled cortical inhaler daily for maintenance, but for those occasional times I need a rescue inhaler, the ONLY ONE that works is Ventolin HFA - 1 puff and almost instant relief. I could suck up half the canister of ProAir HFA and still not be able to breathe. This stuff is awful, and my insurance company forces it on me. Reading all of the terrible reviews of this product from actual users like myself, I can only conclude that ProAir HFA is giving substantial kickbacks to insurance companies to get them to force this rubbish product on subscribers."
- Car...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- May 24, 2019
Ventolin HFA (albuterol) for COPD, Maintenance "I am a cancer patient who developed COPD following chemotherapy and radiation. I use Ventolin for those times I am suddenly short of breath. I’m reviewing Ventolin to respond to several comments that the inhaler stops working before all of the 204 uses have been used. This was happening to me — several times — and was frustrating: insurance only allows refills every 30 days, and my co-pay is expensive. I took my inoperable Ventolin in and complained to my pharmacist. The counter indicated 75 uses remaining — I had wasted 10 attempts trying to get medication dispensed. My pharmacist removed the canister from the dispenser and rinsed the dispenser under very warm water. I let it air dry for ages. She reassembled the inhaler and it worked perfectly! Ventolin has been very important in “rescue” occasions when I very suddenly and without warning cannot breathe. This happens so unexpectedly that I don’t go anywhere without my Ventolin inhaler."
- Cam...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- September 26, 2018
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for Asthma, acute "I love my ProAir, but I do have many issues with faulty inhalers. I am constantly having to clean mine out because it will just not press down anymore and get clogged up quite easily. Does anyone else have this problem?"
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Professional resources
- Albuterol Sulfate, Levalbuterol Hydrochloride, Levalbuterol Tartrate (Systemic, Oral Inhalation) monograph
- Albuterol (FDA)
- Albuterol Aerosol (FDA)
- Albuterol Extended-Release Tablets (FDA)
- Albuterol Inhalation Solution (FDA)
Other brands
Ventolin, ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, ProAir Digihaler, ProAir RespiClick
ProAir HFA (albuterol) for COPD, Acute "I have been forced to use this horrible inhaler by my insurance company. They stopped offering anything except this useless inhaler. I WAS using Ventolin, which worked great for me, but then got dropped. ProAir clogs constantly and delivers spotty doses, if any. HATE this product - they must be giving the insurance companies a lot of kickbacks because it seems like most only offer this. I want my Ventolin back! I have a son-in-law who is from the Philippines. He had to make a trip back there a couple of months ago, so while he was there, he picked up 20 Ventolin inhalers for me (which are sold over the counter there with no script required) for $10 each! We are getting so ripped off by the American pharma industry! Something needs to change!"