Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Symbicort vs. Albuterol

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

  • Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
    Albuterol
  • Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Symbicort vs. Albuterol

    Summary for IC / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler containing a steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol). Both medications work together to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The typical dose for Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is 2 inhalations by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include symptoms of common cold, such as stuffy nose and cough. It's available in two different strengths, both with generic versions.

    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 Symbicort vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    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 Symbicort vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for IC / LABA
    Pros
    •Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
    •Might feel relief in as soon as 15 minutes for asthma
    •Safe for children 6 years and older for asthma
    •Combines two medications into one inhaler for convenience
    Cons
    •Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
    •Can cause thrush in mouth or throat as a side effect
    •Taken 2 times a day
    •Possible bone loss if used long term
    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 Symbicort vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for

    Asthma

    •Common cold (sore throat, headache, cough; 10-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (sneezing, throat pain; 8-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Stuffy nose (5-6%)

    COPD

    •Common cold (7%)
    •Thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat; 6%)
    •Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways; 5%)
    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 Symbicort vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of worsening of asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Switching from oral to inhaled steroids
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Heart problems
    •Risk of bone loss and poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Symbicort vs. Albuterol

    Learn more about Symbicort
    Learn more about Albuterol

Compare other Asthma and COPD drugs

Anoro Ellipta vs SymbicortBreztri Aerosphere vs SymbicortCombivent vs SymbicortDulera vs SymbicortDupixent vs SymbicortFlovent vs SymbicortIncruse Ellipta vs SymbicortQvar vs SymbicortSingulair vs SymbicortSpiriva vs SymbicortSymbicort vs AdvairSymbicort vs AlbuterolAdvair vs AlbuterolAdvair vs PulmicortAdvair vs Trelegy ElliptaAirduo vs AdvairAtrovent vs AdvairBreo Ellipta vs AdvairBreztri Aerosphere vs AdvairBreztri Aerosphere vs SpirivaDulera vs AdvairFlovent vs AdvairIpratropium vs SpirivaQvar vs AdvairSingulair vs AdvairSpiriva vs AdvairSpiriva vs AlbuterolSpiriva vs Spiriva RespimatSpiriva vs XopenexTheophylline vs Advair
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.