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Compare Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, and others) are both short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) used as rescue inhalers to treat or prevent sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with breathing problems like asthma. Both medications are inhaled and work by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways. However, there are some differences between them. Levalbuterol is available as a generic and typically delivers 45 mcg per inhalation, while albuterol delivers 90 mcg per inhalation. Albuterol is also approved for preventing exercise-induced asthma, which is not an FDA-approved use for levalbuterol. Both medications can cause side effects like sore throat and runny nose, but levalbuterol may also cause dizziness and vomiting in children. Albuterol has additional side effects like headache and changes in taste. Albuterol can interact with medications like beta blockers and digoxin, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your provider.

  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
    Albuterol
  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

    Summary for SABA
    Prescription only

    Levalbuterol (also known by its brand name, Xopenex HFA) is a rescue inhaler used for the treatment or prevention of sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. This medication is for adults and children ages 4 years and older. It's inhaled through the mouth and the typical dose is 1 to 2 puffs every 4 to 6 hours. Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA) can cause side effects such as sore throat and runny nose. It's available as a lower-cost generic.

    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 Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., 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 Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for SABA
    Pros
    •Works within minutes to help you breathe easier
    •Only used as needed
    •Safe for children as young as 4 years old
    Cons
    •Not a long-acting treatment for asthma
    •Some people might find the inhaler difficult to use
    •Not the best choice if you have a history of an allergic reaction to albuterol
    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 Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •

    People ages 12 years and older:

    •Asthma (9%)
    •Sore throat (8%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Body pain (4%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •

    Children ages 4 to 11 years old:

    •Vomiting (11%)
    •Sore throat (7%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)
    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 Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low potassium in the blood
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

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