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Compare Theochron (branded generic) vs. Qvar RediHaler

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

Key takeaways

Theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Theochron) and Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) are both used to help manage asthma, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Theophylline is a nonselective PDE inhibitor that acts as a bronchodilator, relaxing the muscles in your airways to help you breathe easier. It is available in both pill and liquid forms, including generic versions. However, it is not a first-choice medication for asthma or COPD because it requires regular blood tests and can interact with other medications. On the other hand, Qvar RediHaler is an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in your lungs to prevent asthma attacks. It is used twice daily and should be taken consistently to be effective. It should not be used for treating sudden asthma symptoms. Unlike theophylline, Qvar RediHaler does not have a generic version. Additionally, Qvar RediHaler can cause fungal infections in the mouth if you don't rinse your mouth after use, while theophylline can cause side effects similar to having too much caffeine such as a headache or trouble sleeping.

  • Theophylline
    Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)
  • Theophylline
    Qvar redihaler (beclomethasone)

  • Summary of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Summary for PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Prescription only

    Theophylline is a long-term medication that helps you breathe easier when you have asthma or COPD, but it is not a first-choice medication for these problems.

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Prescription only

    QVAR RediHaler, the brand name for beclomethasone dipropionate HFA inhaler, is an inhaled corticosteroid. It's used in people ages 4 years and older for the maintenance treatment of asthma. This medication is inhaled through the mouth twice per day. Like other inhaled steroid medications, Qvar RediHaler (beclomethasone) can cause upper respiratory tract infections and oral thrush as side effects.

  • Indications of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma in people ages 4 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Pros and Const for PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Pros
    •Can help you breathe easier when other medications do not work well enough
    •Available as a 24-hour pill form that can be taken once a day
    •Both the pill and liquid forms are available in cheaper generic versions
    Cons
    •Does not work quickly and will not help if you are currently having an asthma or COPD attack
    •Requires regular blood tests to check theophylline lab levels
    •Can interact with with other medications or supplements
    •Food affects absorption, so you have to be consistent with how you take theophylline
    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
    Pros
    •Breath-actuated inhaler; might be easier to use than metered-dose inhalers
    •Works directly in the lungs, so it has fewer side effects compared to oral steroids
    •Considered safe while pregnant
    Cons
    •Might need to use 4 inhalations daily (2 puffs twice daily)
    •Can take up to 2 weeks to have better control of asthma symptoms, and up to 4 weeks for full effects
    •Can cause fungal infections in the mouth and throat, especially if you don't rinse your mouth after each use

  • Common Side Effects of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling like you had too much caffeine (nausea, vomiting, headache, inability to sleep)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fungal infection in the mouth or throat (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Theochron (branded generic) vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Common Side Effects for
    •WORSENING OF OTHER CONDITIONS
    •THEOPHYLLINE TOXICITY
    •INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for use in asthma attack or for worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (thrush)
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Weakening bones
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Theochron (branded generic) vs. Qvar RediHaler

    Learn more about Theophylline
    Learn more about Qvar redihaler

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