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.
