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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

 

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Atrovent

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.

Indications for Atrovent

Pros and Cons for Atrovent

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

Common Side Effects for Atrovent

Warnings for Atrovent

  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Risk of eye and vision problems
  • Trouble urinating

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 Atrovent 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$46.43
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