Key takeaways
Xopenex (levalbuterol) and Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both inhaled medications used to help with breathing problems, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Xopenex is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) that quickly relaxes the muscles in your lungs to open up your airways, making it easier to breathe during episodes of sudden wheezing or shortness of breath. It's typically used three times a day and is available as a lower-cost generic. On the other hand, Advair is a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). It is used for the maintenance treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is taken twice daily. Advair helps reduce inflammation and keeps airways open over a longer period. Unlike Xopenex, Advair is not used for sudden breathing problems. Common side effects of Xopenex include headache and sore throat, while Advair can cause upper respiratory infections and oral thrush.
