Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Combivent vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Combivent Respimat (ipratropium/albuterol) and albuterol inhalers (such as ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) are both used to help with breathing problems but they have some differences. They both treat conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, although using Combivent Respimat for asthma is an off-label use. Combivent Respimat is a combination medication that includes ipratropium, a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), and albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). In contrast, albuterol inhalers contain only albuterol, a SABA. Combivent Respimat is used regularly, up to 4 to 6 times a day, while albuterol inhalers are used as needed for sudden breathing problems. Combivent Respimat is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas albuterol inhalers are available in generic forms. Common side effects of Combivent Respimat include upper respiratory infections and cough, while albuterol inhalers can cause sore throat and throat irritation. Both medications can affect your heart rate and blood pressure, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about any heart conditions you have.

  • Combivent respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
    Albuterol
  • Combivent respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Combivent vs. Albuterol

    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.

    Summary for SABA
    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 of Combivent vs. Albuterol

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

    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
    Pros and Const for SABA
    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 of Combivent vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (4%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (3%)
    •Cough (3%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    •Headache (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sore throat
    •Throat irritation
    •Runny nose
    •Upper respiratory infection

    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 of Combivent vs. Albuterol

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Combivent vs. Albuterol

    Learn more about Combivent respimat
    Learn more about Albuterol

Compare other COPD drugs

Atrovent vs CombiventCombivent vs AlbuterolCombivent vs SymbicortDuoneb vs CombiventAdvair vs AlbuterolAirsupra vs AlbuterolAlbuterol vs PrednisoneAlbuterol vs Sodium ChlorideAlvesco vs AlbuterolAnoro Ellipta vs SymbicortAsmanex vs AlbuterolBreo Ellipta vs SymbicortBreztri Aerosphere vs AlbuterolBreztri Aerosphere vs SymbicortDulera vs AlbuterolDuoneb vs AlbuterolFlovent vs AlbuterolFluticasone Propionate vs AlbuterolFormoterol vs AlbuterolIpratropium vs AlbuterolLevalbuterol vs AlbuterolPerforomist vs AlbuterolPrimatene Mist vs AlbuterolPulmicort vs AlbuterolQvar vs AlbuterolSpiriva vs AlbuterolSymbicort vs AlbuterolTerbutaline vs AlbuterolXopenex vs AlbuterolYupelri vs Albuterol
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.