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Compare Atrovent HFA vs. Combivent

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

Key takeaways

Atrovent HFA (ipratropium) and Combivent Respimat (ipratropium/albuterol) are both used to help with breathing issues, but they have different uses and forms. Atrovent HFA is an inhaled anticholiergic medication used as maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by blocking acetylcholine in the lungs, which allows the muscles in your airway to relax, making it easier to breathe. Combivent Respimat, on the other hand, is an inhaler used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and contains a combination of ipratropium and albuterol. This means combines the effects of a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) and a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) to relax and open airways. Both medications are brand-name only. Atrovent HFA is typically used four times a day, whereas Combivent Respimat is used up to 6 times a day for breathing issues.

  • Atrovent hfa (ipratropium)
    Combivent respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
  • Atrovent hfa (ipratropium)
    Combivent respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)

  • Summary of Atrovent HFA vs. Combivent

    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

    Combivent Respimat is an inhaler that's used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It's a combination medication that contains two different bronchodilators: ipratropium, a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), and albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). The medication is inhaled through the mouth 4 times a day, but up to 6 times per day if instructed. Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't a rescue inhaler; it's used regularly rather than as needed for sudden breathing problems. Side effects aren't common but can include upper respiratory tract infections and cough.

  • Indications of Atrovent HFA vs. Combivent

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

  • Pros and Cons of Atrovent HFA vs. Combivent

    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
    •Combines two different bronchodilators within a single inhaler for convenience
    •Can start to work in about 15 minutes to help with breathing for some people
    •Doesn't require shaking before use
    •Don't need to rinse your mouth after use
    Cons
    •Not a rescue inhaler
    •Might need to use up to 6 times per day, depending on the severity of your COPD symptoms
    •Might not be a good option for people with heart problems
    •No lower-cost generic; only available as a brand-name medication

  • Common Side Effects of Atrovent HFA vs. Combivent

    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
    •Common cold symptoms (4%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (3%)
    •Cough (3%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    •Headache (3%)

  • Warnings of Atrovent HFA vs. Combivent

    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 the airways (bronchospasm)
    •Effects on the heart and blood pressure
    •Eye problems
    •Trouble urinating
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Low potassium in the blood

  • Prices with our coupons for Atrovent HFA vs. Combivent

    Learn more about Atrovent hfa
    Learn more about Combivent respimat

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