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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)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Symbicort

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.

Indications for Symbicort

Pros and Cons for Symbicort

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

Common Side Effects for Symbicort

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%)

Warnings for Symbicort

  • 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

Summary for Albuterol

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 for Albuterol

  • 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 for Albuterol

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 for Albuterol

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 for Albuterol

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium in the blood
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Symbicort vs. Albuterol

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Breyna1 inhaler / 120 doses of 160mcg/4.5mcg
$92.01$169.72
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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