Is albuterol HFA a steroid?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jamie Winn
Aug 9, 2023

Lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common conditions in the United States. There are almost 26 million Americans that have asthma while around 15.7 million have been diagnosed with COPD. When it comes to managing these conditions, having the proper medication is crucial. Albuterol is a bronchodilator, which works differently from steroids to open up your airways to help you breathe. Steroids reduce inflammation and decrease swelling in your breathing passages and lungs. Bronchodilators open up your airways to make it easier for oxygen to get in and out of your lungs.

Keep reading and we will explore everything you need to know about albuterol HFA inhalers, its uses, side effects, and more.

What is the difference between albuterol HFA and steroid inhalers?

Albuterol is often called a quick relief medication or a rescue inhaler. It works on certain receptors (beta-2) to help relax the muscles in the lungs and widen the airways (bronchi). This allows air to get in and out of your lungs more easily. Albuterol is used to provide immediate relief from asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations.

Inhaled corticosteroids block certain genes that are involved in the inflammatory process. This leads to decreased airway inflammation, swelling, and mucous production, which improves airflow in your lungs. They are often used daily to help prevent asthma attacks and COPD symptoms.

Why are steroids used in inhalers?

Inhaled steroids or corticosteroids are typically a first-line therapy in asthma management and prevention. When they are used every day, steroids decrease the number and severity of asthma attacks, which can reduce your need for bronchodilators such as albuterol. However, steroids will not relieve an asthma attack once it has started.

Albuterol HFA FAQs

What is albuterol HFA?

Albuterol, also known as albuterol sulfate, is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA). Outside of the United States, albuterol is called salbutamol. It is available in various brand names, including Proair HFA, Proventil HFA, and Ventolin HFA. This medication is primarily used to treat lung diseases such as asthma and COPD, where the airways in the lungs narrow, leading to breathing difficulties and wheezing.

How does albuterol HFA work?

Albuterol works by stimulating the beta2 receptors in the smooth muscles of the airways. When these receptors are activated, the muscles relax, and the airways widen, allowing for easier airflow in and out of the lungs. This helps alleviate symptoms and improve breathing for individuals with asthma or COPD.

What types of albuterol HFA inhalers are there?

Albuterol HFA inhalers come as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). MDIs consist of a canister that releases a measured dose of medication when activated. It is an inhalation aerosol that delivers 108 mcg of albuterol sulfate (90 mcg of albuterol base) from the mouthpiece per actuation.

Albuterol also comes in other dosage forms such as oral tablets, syrup, a dry powder inhaler (DPI), and a liquid solution that’s used with a nebulizer.

What does albuterol HFA treat?

Albuterol is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to:

Relieve acute symptoms of reversible obstructive airway disease (asthma), such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is also used as a preventive measure before exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Relieve COPD symptoms, including difficulty breathing and wheezing.

It's important to note that albuterol is not a maintenance medication for long-term asthma or COPD management. Your healthcare provider will prescribe long-acting medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, to help prevent the use of albuterol.

How do you use your albuterol HFA inhaler?

Using albuterol inhalers correctly is important to ensure you receive the right amount of medication to see its full benefits. Here are general steps to follow when using an albuterol inhaler:

Be sure to read the patient information leaflet and instructions for use provided by your pharmacist.
Before using the inhaler, remove the cap and shake it well to ensure proper medication mixing.
Some inhalers require priming before the first use or it hasn’t been used in a while. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on priming your specific inhaler.
Exhale fully to empty your lungs before using the inhaler. Then place the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth, ensuring a tight seal with your lips. Press down on the canister while inhaling slowly and deeply. Continue inhaling until your lungs are full.
Hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as is comfortable. This allows the medication to reach deep into your lungs.
Exhale slowly and remove the inhaler from your mouth. If your doctor has told you to use more than 1 spray, wait 1 minute and shake the inhaler again. Then exhale fully and repeat.
Close the cap securely. Clean the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry tissue or cloth as needed. Do not use water or any other liquid for cleaning.

You can also use a spacer with an albuterol inhaler. A spacer holds the medicine in place in a chamber so it’s easier to breathe it in.

What are some possible side effects of albuterol HFA?

While albuterol is generally safe and well-tolerated, like any medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. The most common side effects of albuterol include:

Headache
Sore throat and hoarseness
Fast heart rate
Runny nose
Dizziness

Some other side effects can include:

Tremors or shaking
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety
Dry mouth
Change in taste
High blood pressure
Chest pain

Albuterol can rarely cause serious side effects such as:

Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (hives, swelling of your tongue or throat, and trouble breathing)
Worsening asthma symptoms
Low potassium levels

These are not all of the possible adverse effects of albuterol. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What are some drug interactions with albuterol HFA?

When albuterol is taken with other drugs, it can change how they work or make some side effects more likely or severe. You should ask your healthcare provider if any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take may interact with albuterol, including: