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Compare Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Tiotropium (Spiriva) and albuterol are both medications used to help with breathing problems, but they have some important differences. Tiotropium, available as Spiriva HandiHaler and Spiriva Respimat, is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It is typically taken once daily and is not a rescue inhaler. Albuterol, on the other hand, is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) used as a rescue inhaler for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people aged 4 and older with asthma or other lung conditions. It can also prevent exercise-induced asthma. Albuterol works quickly, within minutes, and can be used every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Both medications are available in both branded and generic forms. Common side effects of tiotropium include dry mouth and upper respiratory infections, while albuterol can cause sore throat and throat irritation. Albuterol may also affect heart rate and blood pressure, which is less common with tiotropium.

  • Spiriva (tiotropium)
    Albuterol
  • Spiriva (tiotropium)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol

    Summary for LAMA
    Prescription only

    Spiriva (tiotropium) is a medication used to help control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. There are two different Spiriva inhalers: Spiriva Respimat is a metered-dose inhaler, and Spiriva HandiHaler is a device that you place a capsule of medication into before you take the medication. The typical dosage for Spiriva (tiotropium) is two inhalations once a day, but the dose depends on the reason you're using it. Side effects include dry mouth, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections. Only Spiriva HandiHaler is also available as a generic version.

    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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    •Asthma in people age 6 years and older - Spiriva Respimat only
    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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for LAMA
    Pros
    •Helps prevent attacks or flare-ups
    •Has few side effects
    •Used once daily
    •Doesn't commonly cause a fast heart rate like some other bronchodilators
    •Available as a lower-cost generic (Spiriva HandiHaler only)
    Cons
    •Doesn't work fast enough to be used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
    •Can be difficult for some people to use
    •Can cause dry mouth as a side effect
    •Only Spiriva Respimat can be used for asthma in children 6 years and older
    •Spiriva Respimat is currently only available as brand name
    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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for

    Spiriva HandiHaler and generic

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (41%)
    •Dry mouth (16%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Sore throat (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (7%)
    •Chest pain (7%)

    Spiriva Respimat

    •Sore throat (12%)
    •Cough (6%)
    •Dry mouth (4%)
    •Sinus inflammation (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 Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not a rescue inhaler
    •Allergic reaction
    •Sudden airway tightening (paradoxical bronchospasm)
    •Worsening glaucoma
    •Urination problems
    •Higher risk for side effects in people with kidney problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol

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    Learn more about Albuterol

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