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Compare Flovent vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Flovent (fluticasone) and albuterol are both inhaled medications used to manage asthma, but they belong to different medication classes and serve distinct purposes. Flovent (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for the maintenance treatment of asthma by reducing lung inflammation and preventing asthma attacks. It is not a rescue inhaler and is typically used twice daily. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that acts as a rescue inhaler to quickly relieve sudden wheezing or shortness of breath. It can be used every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Flovent is available in both HFA and Diskus inhaler forms, with a generic option for the HFA version, while albuterol is available in several brand-name inhalers like ProAir and Ventolin. Common side effects of Flovent include throat irritation and upper respiratory infections, whereas albuterol may cause sore throat, throat irritation, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Flovent requires consistent daily use, while albuterol is used on an as-needed basis for immediate relief.

  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Albuterol
  • Flovent (fluticasone)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Flovent vs. Albuterol

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Prescription only

    Flovent (fluticasone) is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used in people 4 years and older with asthma. It helps keep lung inflammation low and the airways open. This inhaler is used twice per day. When used every day, Flovent (fluticasone) can lower the number and severity of asthma attacks. It's not a rescue inhaler, so it won't help an asthma attack that has already started.

    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 Flovent vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    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 Flovent vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent and lower asthma symptoms
    •Has few side effects since the medication is directly inhaled into the lungs
    •Available as two different types of inhalers (HFA inhaler and Diskus inhaler)
    •Lower-cost generic available for Flovent HFA
    Cons
    •Need to use twice per day
    •Need to rinse your mouth after each use to prevent fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
    •Can't use to treat active asthma attacks
    •Can't use Flovent Diskus if you're allergic to milk proteins since it contains lactose
    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 Flovent vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for

    In general, common side effects for Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus are very similar:

    •Throat irritation
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold)
    •Sinus infection or swelling
    •Headache
    •Cough
    •Voice hoarseness or difficulty speaking
    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 Flovent vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Altered stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Flovent vs. Albuterol

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