Albuterol Inhalation Solution Shortage Has Resolved
The FDA officially declared the national shortage over following expanded manufacturing production.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Asthma
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has designated the national albuterol inhalation solution shortage as resolved after a nearly four-year supply struggle. The resolution follows significant production expansions from The Ritedose Corporation, which serves the 26 million Americans living with asthma.
Why it matters
The end of this shortage improves access to a critical rescue treatment for the millions of people in the United States with asthma, including 7 million children. Stable supply chains are vital for those who rely on daily or as-needed respiratory medication to manage their airway inflammation.
The FDA official designation confirms the end of a supply deficit that persisted for nearly four years. While production has increased via new manufacturing lines, the data reflects a return to market availability rather than a specific clinical trial outcome.
The players
The Ritedose Corporation
A manufacturer specializing in sterile Blow-Fill-Seal production of inhalation and injectable medications.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The federal agency responsible for protecting public health by regulating pharmaceuticals and food supplies.
The details
The Ritedose Corporation expanded its manufacturing capacity using Blow-Fill-Seal technology, a process that forms, fills, and seals containers in a sterile environment to maintain product integrity. The facility in Columbia, South Carolina, added a seventh Syntegon packaging line and opened a new logistics and distribution center at Performance Park. These upgrades allow for higher volumes of established albuterol solution strengths, including the 2.5 mg/0.5 ml dosage approved by the FDA in 2025.
Timeline
2022: National albuterol inhalation solution shortage declared.
2025: FDA approved Ritedose 2.5 mg/0.5 ml dosage.
September 24, 2026: Ritedose announces manufacturing capabilities and shortage resolution.
Health Landscape
This development concludes a period of significant supply instability for a cornerstone medication in respiratory care. It marks the end of the 2022 national albuterol inhalation solution shortage, allowing the healthcare system to pivot from contingency planning back to standard care delivery.
If you have struggled to fill your albuterol prescriptions in recent years, talk to your pharmacist to confirm local availability has stabilized. While the national shortage is over, it remains important to maintain a consistent supply of rescue medication and discuss your asthma action plan with your doctor.
The takeaway
The resolution of the national shortage restores consistent access to a vital rescue medication for millions of asthma patients. Patients should verify their local pharmacy inventory and continue to work with a physician to ensure their respiratory management plan remains effective.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest management approaches in the Asthma section.
More information
Find further details on manufacturing operations and product availability on the Ritedose company and services information portal.
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Should the U.S. prioritize domestic manufacturing to prevent future essential medical supply shortages?
