Key takeaways
Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol) and albuterol inhalers (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, etc.) are both used to help with breathing problems, but they work differently and are used for different conditions. Breztri is a combination inhaler that includes an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). It is used for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) used as a rescue inhaler for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with asthma or COPD. Breztri is taken twice daily, while albuterol is used as needed, up to every 4 to 6 hours. Breztri is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas albuterol is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects of Breztri include upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia, while albuterol can cause sore throat and throat irritation. Breztri should not be used with other LABA-containing inhalers, and albuterol can interact with certain heart and blood pressure medications.
