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Qvar RediHaler vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) are both inhaled medications used to treat asthma, but they have some important differences. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people aged 4 years and older. It works by reducing inflammation in the lungs and is 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. It can be used every 4 to 6 hours as needed. While beclomethasone is not available in a generic form, albuterol is available in both brand and generic forms. Common side effects of beclomethasone include oral thrush and upper respiratory infections, whereas albuterol can cause sore throat, throat irritation, and changes in heart rate. Beclomethasone cannot be used for immediate relief during an asthma attack, while albuterol is specifically designed for immediate relief.

Qvar RediHaler

(beclomethasone)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Qvar RediHaler

Prescription only

QVAR RediHaler, the brand name for beclomethasone dipropionate HFA inhaler, is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in people ages 4 years and older for the maintenance treatment of asthma. This medication is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Like other inhaled steroid medications, Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) can cause upper respiratory tract infections and oral thrush as side effects.

Indications for Qvar RediHaler

  • Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Qvar RediHaler

Pros

Cons

  • Might need to use 4 inhalations daily (2 puffs twice daily)
  • Can take up to 2 weeks to have better control of asthma symptoms, and up to 4 weeks for full effects
  • Can cause fungal infections in the mouth and throat, especially if you don't rinse your mouth after each use

Common Side Effects for Qvar RediHaler

Warnings for Qvar RediHaler

  • Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
  • Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
  • 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 Qvar RediHaler vs. Albuterol

Price Card Drug Icon
Qvar1 redihaler / 10.6g of 80mcg
$263.89$366.28
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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