90mcg · 1-count · Asthma · Brand: ProAir / Ventolin · Generic available
| Pharmacy | Cash Price | Per-30-Day Equiv. |
|---|---|---|
| Costco Cheapest | $42.00 | $1260.00 |
| Walmart | $48.00 | $1440.00 |
| Target | $49.99 | $1499.70 |
| Kroger | $50.00 | $1500.00 |
| Rite Aid | $58.50 | $1755.00 |
| CVS | $59.99 | $1799.70 |
| Walgreens | $62.00 | $1860.00 |
The generic form of Albuterol Inhaler (Albuterol Sulfate) contains the same active ingredient and is bioequivalent to the brand. Ask your pharmacist to dispense the generic — it works the same way at a fraction of the cost.
Tip: In most states, pharmacists can substitute a generic unless your prescriber writes "dispense as written" (DAW).
Albuterol Inhaler is prescribed to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. It is sold under the brand name ProAir / Ventolin and is available as the generic Albuterol Sulfate. A standard supply is 1 90mcg.
Pharmacy pricing is not regulated in the United States, so retailers set their own cash prices. Large retailers like Walmart and Costco typically offer lower prices on generics because they use prescriptions as a traffic driver. Chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens tend to charge significantly more.
Inhaler prices have been a major drug pricing focus. Generic inhalers are now available for some formulations, offering meaningful savings over brand-name options.
Albuterol Inhaler belongs to a class of medications called short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs). It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so more air can move in and out of the lungs, and it's typically used as a rescue inhaler for sudden asthma or COPD symptoms rather than as a daily maintenance treatment. Because rescue inhalers are meant to be used only as needed, running out unexpectedly is a common reason patients look for a lower-cost cash option — knowing this is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA), not a steroid or long-acting inhaler, can help you and your pharmacist find an appropriate substitute if your usual brand is out of stock or unaffordable.
Shop around. The cheapest pharmacy (Costco at $42.00) charges significantly less than the most expensive option ($62.00). A quick call can save you real money.
Ask for the generic. If your doctor prescribed the brand-name ProAir / Ventolin, ask your pharmacist whether the generic Albuterol Sulfate is available. In most states, pharmacists can substitute a generic unless the prescriber writes 'dispense as written.'
Use a discount card. Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx can sometimes negotiate prices lower than retail cash. The estimated GoodRx low for Albuterol Inhaler is around $35.00.
Albuterol inhalers have been available generically for years, and the cash price for the generic albuterol sulfate inhaler is already relatively low compared to newer respiratory brands, so dedicated manufacturer copay cards are less commonly advertised for this medication than for combination or biologic respiratory drugs. Patient assistance programs run by some manufacturers and independent charities do occasionally cover rescue inhalers for uninsured patients — ask your pharmacist or prescriber's office if one is currently available.
Coverage depends on your specific plan and formulary. Most asthma medications are covered under standard health insurance, typically in Tier 1 or Tier 2. If your copay is higher than the cash price above, it may be cheaper to pay out of pocket — ask your pharmacist to compare. Because albuterol is a decades-old, inexpensive rescue medication rather than a specialty drug, prior authorization is uncommon for it — insurers are far more likely to require step therapy or prior authorization for newer maintenance inhalers or biologic asthma treatments.
Prices represent estimated retail cash prices for Albuterol Inhaler 90mcg (1-count) as of 2026. Actual prices may vary. RxCostCheck does not collect or sell your health data. Learn more →
How much does Albuterol Inhaler cost without insurance?
Without insurance, Albuterol Inhaler 90mcg (1-count) ranges from $42.00 at Costco to $62.00. With a GoodRx discount card, the price can be as low as $35.00.
Where is the cheapest place to fill Albuterol Inhaler?
Costco typically offers the lowest cash price at $42.00 for 1 90mcg.
Is there a generic for Albuterol Inhaler?
Yes — the generic Albuterol Sulfate is available and bioequivalent to ProAir / Ventolin. Ask your pharmacist to dispense the generic to save money.
What if my insurance doesn't cover Albuterol Inhaler at all?
Ask your prescriber whether a covered therapeutic alternative in the same drug class exists, or ask your pharmacist about a formulary exception or medical-necessity appeal — some plans will cover an otherwise-excluded drug once that documentation is on file. In the meantime, the cash and discount-card pricing shown above is usually the fastest fallback.
Does a 90-day supply of Albuterol Inhaler cost less than three 30-day fills?
Often, yes — many pharmacies and insurance plans price a 90-day fill at a lower effective per-dose cost than separate 30-day fills, and some mail-order pharmacy benefits are built specifically around 90-day supplies. Ask your pharmacist or insurer whether a 90-day option is available for this medication before assuming the count shown above is your only choice.
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