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Airsupra vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, ProAir RespiClick, ProAir Digihaler, Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA) are both inhalers used to treat asthma symptoms, but they have some key differences. Airsupra combines a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) with a corticosteroid, while albuterol inhalers contain only a SABA. Airsupra is specifically FDA-approved for preventing and treating asthma flare-ups in adults, whereas albuterol inhalers are approved for treating or preventing wheezing and shortness of breath in people aged 4 and older, including exercise-induced asthma. Airsupra is a combination inhaler with a typical dose of 2 inhalations as needed, not exceeding 12 inhalations in 24 hours, while albuterol inhalers are used every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Airsupra is not available in a generic form, whereas albuterol inhalers are available as generics. Common side effects of Airsupra include headache and thrush, while albuterol inhalers may cause sore throat and throat irritation. Both medications can affect heart rate and blood pressure, but Airsupra also carries risks of bone loss and infections due to its corticosteroid component.

Airsupra

(albuterol / budesonide)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Airsupra

Prescription only

Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a brand-name combination inhaler used to prevent and treat asthma attacks in adults. It contains two medications: albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist that quickly opens up your airways, and budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in your lungs. Airsupra (albuterol / budesonide) is a rescue inhaler which means you use it only when you needed it; it doesn’t replace your long-acting maintenance inhaler. Common side effects include headache, cough, and hoarseness.

Indications for Airsupra

  • Prevention and treatment of asthma attacks

Pros and Cons for Airsupra

Pros

  • Combines two medications into one
  • Works to reduce both shortness of breath and inflammation in the lungs
  • Generally well tolerated
  • Works quickly (about 8 minutes) to open up airways

Cons

  • Not approved for children under 18 years old
  • Can cause thrush in the mouth or throat as a side effect
  • Possible bone loss if used long term
  • Might need to use multiple times a day

Common Side Effects for Airsupra

  • Headache (4-5%)

Warnings for Airsupra

  • Worsening asthma
  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Heart problems
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Worsening of certain health conditions
  • Low potassium levels
  • Risk of infection
  • Oral thrush
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Weaker bones
  • Eye problems

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 Airsupra vs. Albuterol

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Airsupra1 inhaler / 120 inhalations of 90mcg/80mcg
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
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