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Compare Atrovent vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Ipratropium and albuterol are both inhaled medications used to help with breathing problems, but they belong to different medication classes. Ipratropium is a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA) used mainly for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that acts as a rescue inhaler for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath, often used for asthma and exercise-induced asthma. Ipratropium is typically inhaled through a nebulizer 3 to 4 times a day, while albuterol is inhaled using an HFA or dry powder inhaler as needed, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Ipratropium is available as a generic, whereas albuterol is available under several brand names like ProAir HFA and Ventolin HFA. Common side effects of ipratropium include headache and cough, while albuterol can cause sore throat and throat irritation. Albuterol may also affect heart rate and blood pressure, which is less common with ipratropium. Both medications can be used together in some cases to improve breathing, but they should be used as directed by your healthcare provider.

  • Ipratropium bromide
    Albuterol
  • Ipratropium bromide
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Atrovent vs. Albuterol

    Summary for SAMA
    Prescription only

    Ipratropium bromide is an inhaled medication used to help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It's an inhaled anticholinergic that works by opening up your airways so you can breathe easier. The medication is administered through a nebulizer machine and inhaled through the mouth 3 to 4 times a day. Common side effects include headache and cough.

    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 Atrovent vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
    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 Atrovent vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for SAMA
    Pros
    •Works well as a maintenance treatment for COPD
    •Doesn't really affect your heart rate
    •Can mix with albuterol if ipratropium bromide doesn't fully control your symptoms
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to receive the whole dose
    •Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which isn't ideal for someone who's on the go
    •Might need to be used multiple times per day because effects don't last long
    •Not a rescue medication
    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 Atrovent vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bronchitis (15%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infections (13%)
    •Shortness of breath (10%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Cough (5%)
    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 Atrovent vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Risk of eye and vision problems
    •Trouble urinating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Atrovent vs. Albuterol

    Learn more about Ipratropium bromide
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