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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

 

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Terbutaline

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.

Indications for Terbutaline

  • Prevention and treatment of bronchospasm (narrowing of airways) related to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema

Pros and Cons for Terbutaline

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

Common Side Effects for Terbutaline

  • Nervousness (35%)
  • Shaking (15%)
  • Headache (8%)
  • Sleepiness (6%)
  • Racing heart (5%)

Warnings for Terbutaline

  • Not for use for premature labor
  • Bronchospasm (difficulty breathing)
  • Heart problems
  • Seizures

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 Terbutaline vs. Albuterol

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Terbutaline30 tablets / 2.5mg
$39.75$153.82
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$41.27-
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