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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)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Levalbuterol

Prescription only

Levalbuterol (brand name Xopenex HFA) is a prescription rescue inhaler used to treat or prevent sudden wheezing or shortness of breath from breathing problems like asthma. It's approved for adults and children 4 years and older. You use it by inhaling 1 to 2 puffs by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Common side effects include sore throat, dizziness, and a stuffy or runny nose.

Indications for Levalbuterol

  • Treat or prevent tightening of airways in adults and children 4 years and older with certain breathing problems, such as asthma

Pros and Cons for Levalbuterol

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-term asthma control medications
  • Can cause side effects like tremor or fast heart rate
  • Some people might find the inhaler difficult to use

Common Side Effects for Levalbuterol

People 12 years and older:

  • Asthma (9%)
  • Sore throat (8%)
  • Stuffy or runny nose (7%)
  • Pain (4%)
  • Dizziness (3%)

Children 4 to 11 years old:

  • Vomiting (11%)
  • Accidental injury (9%)
  • Sore throat (7%)
  • Bronchitis (3%)

Warnings for Levalbuterol

  • Sudden narrowing of the airways
  • Worsening asthma
  • Heart problems
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • Worsening of certain health conditions
  • Low potassium levels

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 Levalbuterol vs. Albuterol

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Levalbuterol1 inhaler / 15g of 45mcg
$55.40-
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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