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Compare Dulera vs. Albuterol

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

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.

  • Dulera (mometasone / formoterol)
    Albuterol
  • Dulera (mometasone / formoterol)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Dulera vs. Albuterol

    Summary for ICS / LABA
    Prescription only

    Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) is an inhaler that's used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in adults and children. It's a combination medication containing an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) that work together to help make breathing easier. Dulera (mometasone / formoterol) is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. But the specific dosage depends on how old you are and how severe your asthma symptoms are. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. This medication isn't available as a lower-cost generic yet.

    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 Dulera vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 5 years and older
    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 Dulera vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for ICS / LABA
    Pros
    •Works well to improve lung function and lessen asthma symptoms
    •Combines two different asthma medications into a single inhaler for convenience
    •Can use with a spacer if you have trouble using the inhaler
    Cons
    •Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler
    •Need to inhale 2 puffs twice daily for it to work well
    •Can raise your risk for infections
    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 Dulera vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sore throat, stuffy nose, and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)
    •Pressure in the sinuses and other symptoms of a sinus infection (up to 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 Dulera vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use for asthma attack or worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
    •Sudden narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Caution when switching from oral to inhaled steroids
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Heart problems
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Low potassium levels in the blood
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Dulera vs. Albuterol

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    Learn more about Albuterol

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