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Breztri vs. Albuterol

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

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.

Breztri

 

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Breztri

Prescription only

Breztri Aerosphere is a combination inhaler that contains budesonide (an inhaled corticosteroid), glycopyrrolate (a long-acting muscarinic antagonist), and formoterol fumarate (a long-acting beta agonist). It's used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Breztri is inhaled through the mouth and into the lungs twice per day every day. The most common side effects are upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia. Breztri is brand name only and not available as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Breztri

Pros and Cons for Breztri

Pros

  • Lowers the risk of COPD flare-ups
  • Combination of three medications in a single inhaler
  • Can be used with a spacer to make it easier to take a dose

Cons

  • Need to rinse your mouth after each dose
  • Need to inhale 2 puffs twice daily
  • Doesn't treat sudden worsening symptoms of COPD

Common Side Effects for Breztri

Warnings for Breztri

  • Not for asthma, COPD flare ups, or worsening breathing
  • Fungal infection in the mouth
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Eye and vision problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium levels in the blood
  • Trouble urinating

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 Breztri vs. Albuterol

Price Card Drug Icon
Breztri Aerosphere1 inhaler / 120 inhalations of 160mcg/9mcg/4.8mcg
$665.69$847.96
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Price Card Drug Icon
Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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