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Compare Atrovent HFA vs. Flonase

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

Key takeaways

Ipratropium (Atrovent) and fluticasone (Flonase, Flonase Sensimist) nasal sprays are both used to treat runny noses caused by allergies. However, they belong to different medication classes. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic that works by blocking acetylcholine to reduce mucus production, while fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the nose. Ipratropium is available only by prescription and comes in generic form, whereas fluticasone is available both by prescription and over-the-counter. Ipratropium is typically used multiple times a day, while fluticasone is usually taken once daily. Common side effects of ipratropium include headaches and nosebleeds, while fluticasone may cause headaches, sore throats, and nosebleeds. Fluticasone can also slow growth in children if used for more than two months a year. Ipratropium may not be safe for people with glaucoma or prostate problems, while fluticasone can increase the risk of eye problems and infections.

  • Atrovent hfa (ipratropium)
    Fluticasone nasal spray
  • Atrovent hfa (ipratropium)
    Fluticasone nasal spray

  • Summary of Atrovent HFA vs. Flonase

    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 Corticosteroid

    Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

  • Indications of Atrovent HFA vs. Flonase

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes

  • Pros and Cons of Atrovent HFA vs. Flonase

    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 Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
    •Available OTC
    •Some formulations have generic versions
    •Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
    •Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
    •Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
    •Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Can raise the risk for certain eye problems

  • Common Side Effects of Atrovent HFA vs. Flonase

    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
    •Headache (7-16%)
    •Sore throat (6-8%)
    •Nosebleeds (6-7%)
    •Asthma symptoms (3-7%)

  • Warnings of Atrovent HFA vs. Flonase

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Risk of eye and vision problems
    •Trouble urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nasal problems
    •Slowed growth rate in children
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
    •Serious allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Atrovent HFA vs. Flonase

    Learn more about Atrovent hfa
    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray

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