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Pulmicort Flexhaler vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) are both inhaled medications used to manage asthma, but they belong to different medication classes and serve distinct purposes. Budesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people aged 6 years and older. It works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and is typically taken twice daily. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) used as a rescue inhaler to quickly relieve sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people aged 4 years and older. It is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Budesonide is not used for immediate relief during an asthma attack, while albuterol provides quick relief within minutes. Budesonide is available in two strengths (90 mcg and 180 mcg per inhalation), whereas albuterol delivers 90 mcg per inhalation. Common side effects of budesonide include symptoms of the common cold and sore throat, while albuterol may cause sore throat and runny nose. Even though it's an inhaler, albuterol can interact with some oral medications, including beta blockers and digoxin.

Pulmicort Flexhaler

(budesonide)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Pulmicort Flexhaler

Prescription only

Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide) is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in adults and children for the maintenance treatment of asthma. It's a type of dry powder inhaler that's inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Side effects include the common cold and sore throat.

Indications for Pulmicort Flexhaler

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 6 years and older

Pros and Cons for Pulmicort Flexhaler

Pros

  • First-choice medication for controlling asthma symptoms
  • Inhaling into the lungs, which has fewer side effects than taking steroid pills by mouth
  • Possible option for children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Doesn't treat an asthma attack
  • Needs to be inhaled twice per day
  • Contains lactose, so not a good choice for people with a milk protein allergy

Common Side Effects for Pulmicort Flexhaler

Warnings for Pulmicort Flexhaler

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
  • Fungal infection in the mouth
  • Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Changes in stress hormone levels
  • Delayed growth in children
  • Weakening bones
  • Eye and vision problems
  • Allergic reactions

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 Pulmicort Flexhaler vs. Albuterol

Price Card Drug Icon
Budesonide30 ampules / 0.5mg/2ml
$48.30$127.00
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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