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Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride non-prescription

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.

• 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

• 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.

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

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.

• 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

• Discomfort in the nose

• For use in the nose only