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Compare Formoterol vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Formoterol (Perforomist) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, and others) are both bronchodilators used to help with breathing problems, but they work differently and have important differences. Formoterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) used for long-term control of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is not used for asthma or sudden breathing problems. It is inhaled using a nebulizer twice daily. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) used every 4 to 6 hours as needed for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath caused by conditions like asthma and COPD. It can also be used to prevent exercise-induced asthma. Both medications are available as a brand and a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of formoterol include diarrhea and nausea, while albuterol may cause sore throat and throat irritation. Both medications can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Formoterol (Perforomist)
    Albuterol
  • Formoterol (Perforomist)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Formoterol vs. Albuterol

    Summary for LABA
    Prescription only

    Formoterol (Perforomist) is good for long-term control of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms but it requires a nebulizer machine.

    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 Formoterol vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    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 Formoterol vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for LABA
    Pros
    •Works well to control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    •Starts working in as little as 5 minutes
    •Using a jet nebulizer is easier to use than a handheld inhaler, especially for older adults
    •Can be used in people who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, but discuss with your healthcare provider because there might be better options for you
    Cons
    •A nebulizer machine is more expensive than inhalers and there isn't a generic version
    •Takes about 5 to 10 minutes to use in the morning and in the evening
    •Doesn't work fast enough to relieve sudden breathing problems like other fast-acting or rescue inhalers, such as albuterol (ProAir)
    •Not used to treat asthma
    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 Formoterol vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for

    The following are the most common side effects that happened to at least 2% of the people in the clinical studies:

    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Common cold symptoms
    •Dry mouth
    •Vomiting
    •Dizziness
    •Difficulty sleeping
    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 Formoterol vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Asthma-related death
    •Worsening signs of COPD
    •Sudden-onset breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Formoterol vs. Albuterol

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