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Alvesco vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Ciclesonide (Alvesco) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) are both inhaled medications used to manage asthma, but they belong to different medication classes and serve distinct purposes. Ciclesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people aged 12 and older. It helps prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the lungs and is taken twice daily. In contrast, albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that acts as a rescue inhaler for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people aged 4 and older. It works by quickly relaxing the muscles in the lungs to open airways and is used as needed. While ciclesonide is not a rescue inhaler and takes time to show effects, albuterol works within minutes. Ciclesonide can cause side effects like stuffy nose and headaches, and it may increase the risk of oral thrush, while albuterol can lead to sore throat and changes in heart rate.

Alvesco

(ciclesonide)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Alvesco

Prescription only

Alvesco (ciclesonide) is a steroid inhaler used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children age 12 years and older. It's inhaled by mouth twice daily. When used regularly, Alvesco (ciclesonide) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. But it's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started. Some common side effects this medication can cause include stuffy nose, sore throat, and headaches.

Indications for Alvesco

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people age 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Alvesco

Pros

  • Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
  • Can be used with a spacer if you have trouble getting the full dose with the inhaler
  • Few known interactions with other medications

Cons

  • Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler and will not help your symptoms during an asthma attack
  • It can take up to a month or longer before you see symptoms improve
  • Can't be used in children under 12 years old
  • Might raise your risk for infections

Common Side Effects for Alvesco

  • Stuffy nose or swelling in the throat (7-11%)
  • Headache (5-11%)
  • Runny nose, cough, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (4-9%)
  • Sore throat (2-5%)

Warnings for Alvesco

  • 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

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 Alvesco vs. Albuterol

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Alvesco1 inhaler / 160mcg
$154.48$313.00
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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