How to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor?

Reviewed by:
Dr. Robert Kwok
Director of Health Informatics
Last updated on January 4, 2022 UTC

How to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor 

Inhalers are small, hand-held devices that deliver pressurized medication directly into your lungs. Inhalers treat lung conditions, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Conditions that affect breathing can be scary, and it may seem like the quick and easy option to buy an inhaler over-the-counter from your local pharmacy rather than making an appointment with a physician. However, this may not be the best or safest option for your health.

Read on to learn about different kinds of rescue inhalers and medications used to treat lung conditions like asthma and COPD, and how to make the best decision for your health. 

Can I get an inhaler without seeing a doctor?

There are a few inhalers, such as Primatene Mist (inhaler) or Asthmanefrin (inhaler), that can be bought over -the-counter. Primatene Mist is currently the only over-the-counter inhaler that is approved by the FDA. 

While generally considered safe, over-the-counter inhalers are not effective for all lung conditions and may cause side effects or have adverse interactions with medications you are already taking.

Below we will review the differences between over-the-counter and prescription inhalers and how your doctor may determine what treatment is right for you.

What is the difference between over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) asthma inhalers?

The biggest difference between OTC and Rx inhalers is their effectiveness and accessibility. OTC inhalers, have a high level of accessibility, but do not work as well against symptoms caused by lung conditions. With Rx inhalers, access takes a bit more effort, but overall efficacy in treating your lung condition will be greater.

  • Rx inhalers are only available with a prescription from a doctor.

  • Severe cases of asthma usually require Rx inhalers.

  • OTC inhalers are available at drugstores, and can be purchased by anyone. No prescription is needed.

  • OTC inhalers offer temporary relief of more mild symptoms. 

  • Rx inhalers are covered by your health insurance’s prescription benefit and you generally have a copay.

  • OTC inhalers can be paid for with flexible spending (FSA) or health savings (HSA) accounts.

Should I use an OTC inhaler or an Rx inhaler?

The short answer to this question is: talk to a doctor as it’s always a good idea to check with a physician before trying any new medication, even if it’s over-the-counter. It’s important to highlight that OTC inhalers are not a replacement for Rx inhalers. OTC inhalers may interact with certain medications, especially stimulants and other medications that impact neurotransmitters, making it even more critical to check with your doctor before you use an over-the-counter medication for lung conditions like COPD.  

Do rescue inhalers have side effects?

There are potential side effects associated with using OTC and some Rx inhalers like albuterol. Here are some of the most common:

  • Dizziness

  • Elevated heart rate

  • Elevated blood pressure

  • Loss of appetite

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Hyperactivity

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Nervousness

  • Shakiness

  • Sore throat

  • Runny nose

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Backache

  • Muscle tremors

If you experience any side-effects or new symptoms when using an inhaler, discontinue use and contact your doctor.

What are the different types of inhalers?

“Rescue inhaler” refers to short-acting bronchodilators. These bronchodilators open the airways and help stop or relieve acute symptoms very quickly and work for around 4 hours. While rescue inhalers are used most often for treating sudden attacks of wheezing or shortness of breath, they can also be used before exercise to mitigate any breathing issues during your workout. Some examples of short-acting bronchodilators, or rescue inhalers are: 

  • Albuterol

  • Metaproterenol

  • Levalbuterol 

  • Pirbuterol 

Long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) control the symptoms of lung conditions with the intent of stopping attacks before they start. They're called long acting because the effect lasts at least twelve hours. Some examples of long-acting bronchodilators are: 

  • Advair, Dulera, and Symbicort (a combination of a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator and an inhaled steroid)

  • Salmeterol (Serevent)

  • Formoterol (Foradil)

While most people are familiar with pressurized inhalers, there are three ways medication is delivered via inhaler:

  • Metered-dose inhaler (MDI) which uses pressure to push the medication out of the inhaler. 

  • Nebulizers use air or oxygen and deliver a mist of the medication through a tube or mask that fits over your nose and mouth. 

  • Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) deliver medication through strong and fast inhalation of the medication. 

Who needs to use an inhaler?

People who suffer from conditions that affect the lungs use inhalers when they experience breathing issues caused by their illness.  Rescue inhalers contain pressurized medicine that is inhaled directly into your lungs and are meant to provide immediate relief for breathing issues, such as asthma attacks, associated with lung conditions.  Asthma is one of the most common reasons for using an inhaler. Inhalers are also used to treat:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    • Emphysema

    • Chronic bronchitis

  • Bronchiectasis

 What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) health condition that causes the airways to narrow and become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. This is known as an asthma attackSigns of an asthma attack include:

  • Wheezing (whistling lung noises when breathing)

  • Cough

  • Difficulty talking

  • Pale skin and sweating

  • Panic and anxiety related to breathing

  • Blue lips and fingernails

  • Chest pain

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases. The most common of these diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis - many people with COPD suffer from both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

  • Emphysema slowly degrades the air sacs in the lungs, which interferes with outward air flow, causing shortness of breath and fatigue.

  •  Bronchitis causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, which allows mucus to build up making it difficult to breathe and causing a chronic cough.

About 30 million people in the United States have COPD, with as many as 50% unaware that they have it. Untreated, COPD can lead to a faster progression of disease, heart problems, and worsening respiratory infections. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from COPD, HealthTap primary care doctors are able to help you assess your symptoms and diagnose your lung condition so you can get the treatment you need.

What is bronchiectasis?

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition where the walls of the bronchi are thickened from inflammation and infection in the bronchi. Bronchiectasis may result from an infection or medical condition, such as pneumonia or cystic fibrosis. Mucus builds up and breeds bacteria, causing frequent infections. Symptoms include: 

  • Daily cough that occurs over months or years 

  • Daily production of large amounts of phlegm

  • Frequent chest infections

Inhalers are usually only part of the treatment your doctor will prescribe for bronchiectasis. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in pill or inhaler form in addition to other therapeutics. HealthTap subscribers are able to choose a primary care doctor that can help them manage bronchiectasis conveniently without ever having to leave the comfort of their home.  

HealthTap can help

At HealthTap, it's easy and affordable to make a virtual appointment with one of our online primary care doctors who can assess your symptoms and if necessary prescribe the right medication for you. The prescription can then be sent to your preferred pharmacy for you to collect. If you’re worried about your lung condition and think you may need an inhaler, talk to a professional and schedule an appointment today.

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