Compare Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Spiriva (tiotropium)Albuterol
- Spiriva (tiotropium)Albuterol
Summary of Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol
Summary for LAMAPrescription onlySpiriva (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 SABAPrescription onlyAlbuterol 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 onlyIndications 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 olderPros and Cons of Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol
Pros and Const for LAMAPros•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 namePros and Const for SABAPros•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 oldCons•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 toCommon Side Effects of Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol
Common Side Effects forSpiriva HandiHaler and generic
•Dry mouth (16%)•Sinus inflammation (11%)•Sore throat (9%)•Urinary tract infection (7%)•Chest pain (7%)Spiriva Respimat
Common Side Effects forNote: 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 problemsCommon Side Effects for•Breathing problems•Heart problems•Low potassium in the blood•Allergic reactionsPrices with our coupons for Spiriva Handihaler vs. Albuterol
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.