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Compare Atrovent HFA vs. Duoneb

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

Key takeaways

Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) and Duoneb (ipratropium/albuterol) are both used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they have some key differences. Atrovent HFA is a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) that comes in an inhaler form and is used regularly throughout the day to help keep your airways open. It is not a rescue inhaler and takes about 15 minutes to start working. On the other hand, Duoneb is a combination of ipratropium (SAMA) and albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), and is inhaled through a nebulizer. Duoneb starts working within minutes and combines two bronchodilators to improve breathing more effectively than using albuterol alone. However, it requires a nebulizer machine, making it less convenient. Both medications have similar side effects, such as lung problems and sore throat, but Duoneb also carries a risk of heart-related side effects due to the albuterol component.

  • Atrovent hfa (ipratropium)
    Ipratropium/albuterol solution
  • Atrovent hfa (ipratropium)
    Ipratropium/albuterol solution

  • Summary of Atrovent HFA vs. Duoneb

    Summary for SAMA
    Prescription only

    Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) is a short-acting inhaled anticholinergic medication used to help with difficulty breathing in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This medication comes in an inhaler. Typically, you breathe in 2 inhalations, 4 times a day. You should use Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) regularly every day in order it for it to keep your COPD symptoms under control. It's not meant to be used as a rescue inhaler.

    Summary for SAMA / SABA
    Prescription only

    Ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate is a combination inhalation solution made up of two different bronchodilators. This combination is used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It's inhaled through a nebulizer, typically 4 times a day. Side effects of this medication include lung problems, sore throat, and chest pain. The brand name Duoneb has been discontinued, so ipratropium/albuterol solution is only available as a generic.

  • Indications of Atrovent HFA vs. Duoneb

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of shortness of breath in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who need more than one bronchodilator

  • Pros and Cons of Atrovent HFA vs. Duoneb

    Pros and Const for SAMA
    Pros
    •Works well as a maintenance treatment for COPD
    •Small inhaler, so easy to take with you, compared to the nebulized ipratropium
    •Not many interactions with other medications
    Cons
    •Need to use 2 puffs (inhalations) every 4 hours
    •Not a rescue inhaler
    •It's not completely clear how safe it is for pregnant or breastfeeding females
    Pros and Const for SAMA / SABA
    Pros
    •Starts working within minutes
    •More convenient to use a combination of two bronchodilators in a single medication
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which can be inconvenient
    •Takes up to 15 minutes to receive the whole dose
    •Might not be a good option for those with heart problems

  • Common Side Effects of Atrovent HFA vs. Duoneb

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cough and other symptoms of bronchitis (10-23%)
    •Worsened COPD symptoms (8-23%)
    •Trouble breathing (7-8%)
    •Tiredness, chills, and other flu-like symptoms (4-8%)
    •Headache (6-7%)
    •Back pain (2-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lung problems (6%)
    •Sore throat (4%)
    •Chest pain (3%)
    •Bronchitis (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Urinary tract infection (2%)

  • Warnings of Atrovent HFA vs. Duoneb

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Risk of eye and vision problems
    •Trouble urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Heart problems
    •Eye problems
    •Trouble urinating
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low potassium in the blood

  • Prices with our coupons for Atrovent HFA vs. Duoneb

    Learn more about Atrovent hfa
    Learn more about Ipratropium/albuterol solution

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