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Compare Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Mometasone (Asmanex) and albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir) are both inhaled medications used to treat asthma, but they belong to different medication classes and serve different purposes. Mometasone is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for the maintenance treatment of asthma, helping to reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs over time. It is not a rescue inhaler and is typically used once or twice daily. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that acts quickly to relax the muscles in your lungs, providing immediate relief from wheezing or shortness of breath. It is used as needed, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Mometasone is available in two forms: Asmanex HFA and Asmanex Twisthaler, while albuterol is available as HFA inhalers and dry powder inhalers. Common side effects of mometasone include headache and sore throat, whereas albuterol may cause sore throat, throat irritation, and changes in heart rate. Mometasone is not known to cause anxiety or insomnia, while albuterol can sometimes lead to nervousness or anxiety.

  • Asmanex (mometasone)
    Albuterol
  • Asmanex (mometasone)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Prescription only

    Asmanex, also known by its generic name, mometasone furoate, is a steroid inhaler used for maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. Asmanex HFA is approved for people ages 5 years and older, and is inhaled through the mouth twice daily. Asmanex Twisthaler is for people ages 4 years and older, and is inhaled once to twice daily. Some common side effects include headache, runny nose, and sore throat.

    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.

  • Indications of Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
    •Available as two different (HFA inhaler and Twisthaler)
    •Twisthaler typically used once per day (in most cases)
    •Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    Cons
    •Must use every day for it to work well
    •Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
    •Can take over 2 weeks before your symptoms improve
    •Can't use the Twisthaler if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for

    Asmanex Twisthaler

    •Headache (up to 22%)
    •Allergy symptoms (e.g., sneezing, itchy nose, watery or itchy eyes; up to 15%)
    •Sore throat (up to 13%)
    •Sinus infection (up to 6%)
    •Muscle pain (up to 8%)
    •Oral thrush (up to 6%)

    Asmanex HFA Inhaler

    •Cold-like symptoms (up to 8%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)
    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.

  • Warnings of Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use in asthma attack or for worsened breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Weakening bones
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

    Learn more about Asmanex
    Learn more about Albuterol

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