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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)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Asmanex HFA

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.

Indications for Asmanex HFA

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma

Pros and Cons for Asmanex HFA

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

Common Side Effects for Asmanex HFA

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%)

Warnings for Asmanex HFA

  • 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

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 Asmanex HFA vs. Albuterol

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Asmanex1 inhaler / 60 doses of 220mcg
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
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