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Advair vs. Albuterol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) and albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) are both inhaled medications used to treat asthma, but they belong to different medication classes. Fluticasone/salmeterol is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), while albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). Fluticasone/salmeterol is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas albuterol is a rescue inhaler for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath and can also prevent exercise-induced asthma. Fluticasone/salmeterol is typically taken as 1 to 2 puffs twice daily, while albuterol is used as needed, usually 1 to 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours. Common side effects of fluticasone/salmeterol include upper respiratory infections and sore throat, while albuterol may cause sore throat and throat irritation.

Advair

(fluticasone / salmeterol)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Advair

Prescription only

Advair is a combination inhaler that contains fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid) and salmeterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). Advair Diskus is used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults and children, where as Advair HFA is for asthma only. Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol) is inhaled through the mouth, typically 1 to 2 puffs twice daily. Some common side effects of this medication include upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat, and headache.

Indications for Advair

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma
  • Maintenance treatment of COPD - Advair Diskus 250/50 only

Pros and Cons for Advair

Pros

  • Works well to lower the risk of asthma or COPD symptoms
  • Combines two medications into a single inhaler for convenience
  • Available as two different types of inhalers (Advair Diskus and Advair HFA)

Cons

  • Can cause fungal infections (thrush) in your mouth and throat
  • Advair Diskus contains lactose, so it might not be safe for people with severe milk protein allergies
  • Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler

Common Side Effects for Advair

Advair Diskus:

  • Upper respiratory infection (up to 27%)
  • Sore throat (up to 13%)
  • Headache (up to 13%)
  • Bronchitis (up to 8%)
  • Cough (up to 6%)
  • Nausea and vomiting (up to 6%)
  • Hoarseness (up to 5%)

Advair HFA:

  • Upper respiratory infection (up to 24%)
  • Headache (up to 21%)
  • Throat irritation (up to 9%)
  • Muscle and bone pain (up to 7%)
  • Nausea and vomiting (up to 5%)

Warnings for Advair

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
  • Fungal infection in the mouth
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Altered stress hormone levels
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Eye and vision problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium levels in the blood
  • Allergic reactions

Summary for Albuterol

Prescription only

Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's a rescue inhaler that treats or prevents sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in adults and children at least 4 years old with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. Albuterol is inhaled through the mouth using either an HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) or a dry powder inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Albuterol side effects generally include sore throat, throat irritation, and infections.

Indications for Albuterol

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Albuterol

Pros

  • Works within minutes to help you breathe easier when you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing
  • Only used as needed when you're short of breath or when you're about to exercise
  • Can be used by children as young as 4 years old
  • Available as two types of inhalers: HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) and dry powder inhaler

Cons

  • Might have to use the inhaler multiple times per day since it's a short-acting medication
  • Might be difficult for some people to use the inhaler properly
  • Should carry with you at all times so you can use it when you need to

Common Side Effects for Albuterol

Note: Side effects you might have can depend on your age, dose, the type of albuterol inhaler you're using, and how often you're using the inhaler.

Warnings for Albuterol

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium in the blood
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Advair vs. Albuterol

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluticasone/Salmeterol1 diskus inhaler / 250mcg/50mcg
$65.46$314.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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