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Compare Symbicort vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) are both inhaled medications used to treat breathing problems, but they have some important differences. Budesonide/formoterol is a combination of a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), while albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA). Budesonide/formoterol is used for long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is used twice a day regularly. On the other hand, albuterol is a rescue inhaler used as needed for sudden wheezing or shortness of breath. It works within minutes and lasts up to 6 hours. Budesonide/formoterol is available in two strengths. Albuterol comes in one strength but multiple brand names and forms, including HFA and dry powder inhalers. Budesonide/formoterol can cause an oral fungal infection called thrush. You can reduce your risk for thrush by rinsing your mouth out with water and spitting it out after each use. Albuterol may cause sore throat and throat irritation. Budesonide/formoterol should not be used for asthma attacks, while albuterol is specifically designed for sudden shortness of breath or wheezing.

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

  • Summary of Symbicort vs. Albuterol

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two medications: budesonide, a steroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Both medications work together to reduce inflammation in the lungs and open up your airways. The typical dose is two puffs by mouth twice a day, usually about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and sore throat.

    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 - in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults
    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 Inhaled corticosteroid / 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 for a long time
    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 symptoms (10-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Sinus infection (5-6%)

    COPD:

    •Common cold symptoms (7%)
    •Oral thrush (6%)
    •Bronchitis (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
    •Worsening asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Oral thrush
    •Pneumonia
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Sudden narrowing of the airways
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Heart and nervous system problems
    •Risk of bone loss
    •Poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar
    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

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