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Compare Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride non-prescription

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

Albuterol
Sodium chloride nasal spray
Albuterol
Sodium chloride nasal spray

Summary of Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride non-prescription

Summary for SABA
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.

Summary for Moisturizer

Sodium chloride nasal spray is a saline spray for the nose. It's used as a moisturizer to clear breathing and treat dry, irritated nasal passages. It can also be used to flush dirt or allergens from your nose. Sodium chloride nasal spray comes in different concentrations of sodium chloride and your provider can recommend one that's right for your needs. It's available over-the-counter as a lower-cost generic.

Indications of Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride non-prescription

Indications for
•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
Indications for
•Short-term relief of dry, irritated nasal passages
•Clears breathing from stuffy nose caused by dried-up mucus
•Moisturize nasal passages
•Flush allergens and dust from nasal passages

Pros and Cons of Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride non-prescription

Pros and Const for SABA
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
Pros and Const for Moisturizer
Pros
•Available over the counter
•Typically well-tolerated with few side effects
•Available in different concentrations of sodium chloride to meet your needs
•Some strengths of sodium chloride nasal spray are gentle enough for infants
Cons
•Might be difficult for some people to use the spray bottle
•Might be challenging to give nasal spray to children
•Some nasal spray might drip out of nose, which can be messy
•Spray in the nose can be uncomfortable for some people

Common Side Effects of Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride non-prescription

Common Side Effects for
•Sore throat
•Throat irritation
•Runny nose
•Upper respiratory infection

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.

Common Side Effects for
•Discomfort in the nose

Warnings of Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride non-prescription

Common Side Effects for
•Breathing problems
•Heart problems
•Low potassium in the blood
•Allergic reactions
Common Side Effects for
•For use in the nose only

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