What is the brand name for Albuterol?
The most common brand name for Albuterol is ProAir HFA / Ventolin.
PTCE Top 200 · #7
Albuterol
ProAir HFA / Ventolin
Albuterol is the generic name for the brand-name drug ProAir HFA. It is a saba (short-acting beta-2 agonist) used to treat asthma/COPD rescue. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Albuterol ranks #7 and is one of the most frequently tested respiratory/allergy medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Albuterol |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | ProAir HFA / Ventolin |
| Drug class | SABA (short-acting beta-2 agonist) |
| Class group | Respiratory/Allergy |
| Common use | asthma/COPD rescue |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Albuterol used for?
Short‑acting bronchodilator for relief and prevention of bronchospasm (e.g., asthma) including exercise‑induced bronchospasm.
What drug class is Albuterol?
Albuterol is a SABA (short-acting beta-2 agonist) in the Respiratory/Allergy group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Albuterol
- arrow_rightTremor
- arrow_rightNervousness
- arrow_rightFast heart rate (tachycardia)
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightPalpitations
Major interactions
- arrow_rightNon‑selective beta‑blockers can blunt bronchodilation
- arrow_rightMAOIs/TCAs may potentiate cardiovascular effects
- arrow_rightDiuretics may worsen hypokalemia; monitor with high‑dose beta‑agonists
Is Albuterol a controlled substance?
No. Albuterol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Albuterol (PTCE mnemonic)
Pro-AIR = 'more air in' — albu-TEROL is the SABA rescue. Tremor, tachycardia, ↑glucose; using >2×/week = poor control.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Albuterol is the short-acting “rescue” inhaler (SABA). The exam contrasts it with maintenance and steroid inhalers, which are not for acute attacks.
Albuterol FAQ
What is Albuterol used for?
Albuterol is used to treat asthma/COPD rescue. Short‑acting bronchodilator for relief and prevention of bronchospasm (e.g., asthma) including exercise‑induced bronchospasm.
What drug class is Albuterol?
Albuterol is a SABA (short-acting beta-2 agonist) (Respiratory/Allergy group).
Is Albuterol a controlled substance?
No. Albuterol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Respiratory/Allergy group
Drill Albuterol the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).