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Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride

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

Albuterol

 

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sodium chloride

 

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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

Summary for Sodium chloride

Prescription only

Sodium chloride inhalation solution (saline) used to moisten your airways, and to loosen mucus in your chest so you can cough it up. It's available in different strengths, ranging from sodium chloride 0.9% to sodium chloride 10%. This medication is typically inhaled through a nebulizer machine and used by people with certain breathing problems, such as cystic fibrosis. The dosing for sodium chloride can differ from person to person, depending on how severe their condition is. Some possible side effects of using sodium chloride include runny nose, cough, and restlessness.

Indications for Sodium chloride

  • To help thin mucus to make it easier to cough it up - sodium chloride 3% and above
  • To moisten airways and help in breathing - sodium chloride 0.9%

Pros and Cons for Sodium chloride

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Not a lot of side effects
  • Available in several strengths

Cons

  • Requires administration with a nebulizer
  • Generally not available over the counter
  • Might be difficult for some people to use correctly

Common Side Effects for Sodium chloride

Warnings for Sodium chloride

  • For inhalation only

Prices with our coupons for Albuterol vs. Sodium chloride

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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$43.01
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Sodium Chloride60 vials / 4ml of 3%
$17.78-
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