Key takeaways
Dulera (mometasone/formoterol) and albuterol are both inhaled medications used to treat asthma, but they belong to different medication classes and serve different purposes. Dulera is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA), used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people aged 5 years and older. It is not a rescue inhaler and is taken twice daily. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) used as a rescue inhaler to quickly relieve sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people aged 4 years and older. It can be used every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Dulera is not available as a generic, while albuterol is available in generic forms. Common side effects of Dulera include cold symptoms and headaches, whereas albuterol may cause sore throat and throat irritation. Both medications can affect heart rate and blood pressure, but albuterol is more likely to cause these effects if used more than recommended.
