Albuterol — what it treats, what it costs

What it should cost to fill

Strength	Cash price	With a discount card
HFA inhaler — about 200 puffs	$30 – $90	$15 – $45
Nebuliser solution — 25 vials	$12 – $50	$8 – $25

Typical retail ranges, not quotes. What you are charged depends on the pharmacy and on how the claim is processed — which is exactly why it is worth asking.

Where the money goes

Prices vary more than almost any other common drug — the same inhaler runs $15 to $90 depending on the pharmacy and the card.
Manufacturer savings cards exist for the branded inhalers and are easy to miss.

What else there is

Not recommendations. The tradeoff matters more than the name, and it is the part a prescriber will want to talk about.

Albuterol solution for a nebuliserDifferent class

Much cheaper per dose if you already have a nebuliser, but not portable. Not a substitute for a rescue inhaler you can carry.

Worth asking

Is there a cheaper inhaler on my plan’s formulary that works the same way?

Before you change anything. Always keep a working rescue inhaler. Never stretch one to save money.