Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

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

Key takeaways

Terbutaline (Brethine) and albuterol (Ventolin) are both medications used to treat breathing problems like asthma. They both work by relaxing the muscles in your lungs to help you breathe easier. However, they belong to different medication classes. Both medications are short-acting beta agonist (SABA) but terbutaline is available as an oral tablet and albuterol is available as an inhaler. Terbutaline is typically taken three times a day, whereas albuterol is used as needed, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Terbutaline is not recommended for children under 12, while albuterol can be used by children as young as 4 years old. Terbutaline is only available as a generic, while albuterol is available in both brand and generic forms. Common side effects of terbutaline include nervousness and a racing heart, while albuterol can cause sore throat and throat irritation.

  • Terbutaline
    Albuterol
  • Terbutaline
    Albuterol

  • Summary of Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

    Summary for Beta-adrenergic agonist
    Prescription only

    Terbutaline is used to prevent and treat asthma attacks, but it isn’t a first-choice option to use when you're experiencing an asthma attack. Terbutaline is one of the few asthma medications that come as a tablet that's swallowed instead of an inhaler. Some side effects of terbutaline include nervousness, tremor (shakiness), and headache. It isn't safe to use during pregnancy because of the risk of harm to both mother and baby. This medication used to be sold under the brand name Brethine, but is now only available under the generic name.

    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 Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

    Indications for
    •Prevention and treatment of bronchospasm (narrowing of airways) related to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema
    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 Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

    Pros and Const for Beta-adrenergic agonist
    Pros
    •Can help prevent and reverse tightening in the airways due to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema
    •One of the few asthma medications that's taken by mouth
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take three times a day
    •Can cause unpleasant side effects, like a racing heart and shaking
    •Not for use in children under the age of 12 years old
    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 Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nervousness (35%)
    •Shaking (15%)
    •Headache (8%)
    •Sleepiness (6%)
    •Racing heart (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 Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use for premature labor
    •Bronchospasm (difficulty breathing)
    •Heart problems
    •Seizures
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

    Learn more about Terbutaline
    Learn more about Albuterol

Compare other Asthma and COPD drugs

Terbutaline vs AlbuterolAdvair vs AlbuterolAirsupra vs AlbuterolAlbuterol vs PrednisoneAlbuterol vs Sodium ChlorideAlvesco vs AlbuterolAsmanex vs AlbuterolAtrovent Hfa vs DuonebBreztri Aerosphere vs AdvairBreztri Aerosphere vs AlbuterolBreztri Aerosphere vs Anoro ElliptaBreztri Aerosphere vs SpirivaBreztri Aerosphere vs SymbicortBreztri Aerosphere vs Trelegy ElliptaCombivent vs AlbuterolDulera vs AlbuterolDuoneb vs AlbuterolFlovent vs AlbuterolFluticasone Propionate vs AlbuterolFormoterol vs AlbuterolIpratropium vs AlbuterolLevalbuterol vs AlbuterolPerforomist vs AlbuterolPrimatene Mist vs AlbuterolPulmicort vs AlbuterolQvar vs AlbuterolSpiriva vs AlbuterolSymbicort vs AlbuterolXopenex vs AlbuterolYupelri vs Albuterol
View More

Browse medications

View All

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