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Ipratropium 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 nasal spray

 

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Ipratropium

Prescription only

Ipratropium nasal spray is a prescription nasal spray used to treat runny nose from allergies and from the common cold. Depending on the strength, it can be used in people ages 5 or 6 years and older. It's only available as a generic medication since the brand name, Atrovent, has been discontinued. Dosing for ipratropium nasal spray typically ranges from 2 sprays in each nostril, 2 to 4 times daily. Although most people experience few to no side effects while using ipratropium nasal spray, some people might have headache or nosebleeds during treatment.

Indications for Ipratropium

  • Runny nose due to year-round allergies, seasonal allergies, and the common cold

Pros and Cons for Ipratropium

Pros

  • Starts to work in as quickly as 15 minutes
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Safe to use for children 5 or 6 years of age and older

Cons

  • Not sure if safe or works well in people with kidney or liver conditions
  • Needs to be used multiple times a day
  • Might worsen certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma or prostate problems

Common Side Effects for Ipratropium

Ipratropium 0.06% nasal spray

Ipratropium 0.03% nasal spray

  • Headache (10%)
  • Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of respiratory infections (10%)
  • Nosebleed (9%)
  • Sore throat (8%)
  • Dry nose (5%)

Warnings for Ipratropium

  • Allergic reactions
  • Vision and eye problems
  • Worsening of certain medical conditions

Summary for Albuterol

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 for Albuterol

  • 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 for Albuterol

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 for Albuterol

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 for Albuterol

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium in the blood
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Ipratropium vs. Albuterol

Price Card Drug Icon
Ipratropium1 nasal spray / 15ml of 0.06%
$26.45$81.42
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$43.01
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