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.
