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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)

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Symbicort

(budesonide / formoterol)

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Summary for Combivent

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.

Indications for Combivent

Pros and Cons for Combivent

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

Common Side Effects for Combivent

Warnings for Combivent

  • Narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
  • Effects on the heart and blood pressure
  • Eye problems
  • Trouble urinating
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Low potassium in the blood

Summary for Symbicort

Prescription only

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two medications: budesonide, a steroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Both medications work together to reduce inflammation in the lungs and open up your airways. The typical dose is two puffs by mouth twice a day, usually about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and sore throat.

Indications for Symbicort

Pros and Cons for Symbicort

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 for a long time

Common Side Effects for Symbicort

Asthma:

  • Common cold symptoms (10-11%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (8-11%)
  • Headache (7-11%)
  • Sore throat (6-9%)
  • Sinus infection (5-6%)

COPD:

  • Common cold symptoms (7%)
  • Oral thrush (6%)
  • Bronchitis (5%)

Warnings for Symbicort

  • Worsening asthma or COPD
  • Overdose
  • Oral thrush
  • Pneumonia
  • Higher risk of infection
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Heart and nervous system problems
  • Risk of bone loss
  • Poor growth
  • Eye problems
  • Low potassium and high blood sugar

Prices with our coupons for Combivent vs. Symbicort

Price Card Drug Icon
Combivent1 respimat inhaler / 120 doses of 20mcg/100mcg
$492.17$616.10
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Breyna1 inhaler / 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg
$92.01$169.58
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