Tiotropium vs. Albuterol for COPD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Spiriva HandiHaler

Albuterol

Summary for Tiotropium

Prescription only

Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It helps control chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It comes as an inhaler that uses capsules filled with the medication. The usual dose is two inhalations from the same capsule once a day. Side effects can include dry mouth and upper respiratory tract infections.

Indications for Tiotropium

Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults

Pros and Cons for Tiotropium

Pros

Helps prevent COPD flare-ups
Used once daily
Most side effects are mild
Doesn't contain steroids

Cons

Not used as a rescue inhaler for attacks
Can be hard for some people to use
Can cause dry mouth as a side effect
Not approved for asthma

Common Side Effects for Tiotropium

Upper respiratory tract infection (41%)
Dry mouth (16%)
Sinus inflammation (11%)
Sore throat (9%)
Urinary tract infection (7%)
Chest pain (7%)
Indigestion (6%)
Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose (6%)

Warnings for Tiotropium

Not a rescue inhaler
Serious allergic reactions
Sudden airway tightening (bronchospasm)
Worsening glaucoma
Trouble urinating
Higher risk of side effects with kidney problems

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

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 for Albuterol

Breathing problems
Heart problems
Low potassium in the blood
Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Tiotropium vs. Albuterol

Tiotropium1 inhaler / 30 capsules of 18mcg per capsule

$76.57$362.29

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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg

$28.23$38.32

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Tiotropium vs. Albuterol

Spiriva HandiHaler

Albuterol

Summary for Tiotropium

Indications for Tiotropium

Pros and Cons for Tiotropium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tiotropium

Warnings for Tiotropium

Summary for Albuterol

Indications for Albuterol

Pros and Cons for Albuterol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Albuterol

Warnings for Albuterol

Prices with our coupons for Tiotropium vs. Albuterol

Compare other COPD drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Spiriva HandiHaler

Albuterol

Summary for Tiotropium

Indications for Tiotropium

Pros and Cons for Tiotropium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tiotropium

Warnings for Tiotropium

Summary for Albuterol

Indications for Albuterol

Pros and Cons for Albuterol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Albuterol

Warnings for Albuterol