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Compare Combivent vs. Symbicort

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

Key takeaways

Combivent Respimat (ipratropium/albuterol) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are both inhalers used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they have some key differences. Combivent Respimat combines a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) and a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), while Symbicort combines a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Combivent Respimat is typically taken 4 times a day but can be used up to 6 times a day, whereas Symbicort is used 2 times a day. Symbicort is also approved for treating asthma, while Combivent Respimat is not. Both medications must be taken every day and should not be used for sudden breathing problems. It may take up to 2 weeks for the maximum benefit of Symbicort to be felt. Additionally, Symbicort is available in generic forms, making it potentially more affordable than Combivent Respimat, which is only available as a brand medication.

  • Combivent respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Combivent respimat (ipratropium / albuterol)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Combivent vs. Symbicort

    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 IC / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler containing a steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol). Both medications work together to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The typical dose for Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is 2 inhalations by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include symptoms of common cold, such as stuffy nose and cough. It's available in two different strengths, both with generic versions.

  • Indications of Combivent vs. Symbicort

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

  • Pros and Cons of Combivent vs. Symbicort

    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 IC / LABA
    Pros
    •Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
    •Might feel relief in as soon as 15 minutes for asthma
    •Safe for children 6 years and older for asthma
    •Combines two medications into one inhaler for convenience
    Cons
    •Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
    •Can cause thrush in mouth or throat as a side effect
    •Taken 2 times a day
    •Possible bone loss if used long term

  • Common Side Effects of Combivent vs. Symbicort

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

    Asthma

    •Common cold (sore throat, headache, cough; 10-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (sneezing, throat pain; 8-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Stuffy nose (5-6%)

    COPD

    •Common cold (7%)
    •Thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat; 6%)
    •Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways; 5%)

  • Warnings of Combivent vs. Symbicort

    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
    •Risk of worsening of asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Switching from oral to inhaled steroids
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Heart problems
    •Risk of bone loss and poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Combivent vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Combivent respimat
    Learn more about Symbicort

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