What is the Difference Between a Combivent and an Albuterol Inhaler

Both Combivent and Albuterol inhalers are made to diagnose breathing issues, but they are recommended and used in slightly different conditions, and their functions are also different for the users. Both medications, called bronchodilators, work by relaxing and opening the air passages to the lungs so that you find it easier to breathe. The application of both inhalers is a bit different, and you should know it before using any of them. Both medications provide quick relief from bronchospasm and help open your airways. These inhalers are FDA-approved for treating conditions like wheezing, difficulty breathing, asthma, chest tightness, and coughing.

What is a Combivent Respimat inhaler?

Combivent Respimat inhaler treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. This inhaler contains two different bronchodilators called ipratropium bromide and Albuterol. Ipratropium is a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), and Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). Ipratropium bromide is a white to off-white crystalline substance freely soluble in water and methanol.

Usually, a Combivent Respimat inhaler is recommended as a commonly used inhaler to relieve you from sudden breathing problems. This medication is inhaled through the mouth 4 times daily, but you can increase the frequency to 6 times if needed. It is not a rescue inhaler, so if you are experiencing severe breathing problems, it is not made for instant relief; Albuterol inhalers are most suitable for that condition. The side effects of a Combivent Respimat inhaler are not serious or too severe.

What is Albuterol inhaler?

Albuterol sulfate inhaler (also known as Salbutamol) is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). This rescue inhaler can treat and prevent asthma stroke, sudden wheezing, or shortness of breath in adults and children above 4. Using either an HFA inhaler or a dry powder inhaler, Albuterol is inhaled orally through the mouth. The usual dosage of the Albuterol inhaler is twice a day, and the interval between two doses should be 4-6 hours. You can also take a dose in the case of sudden trouble breathing.

Uses for Combivent and Albuterol inhaler

A Combivent inhaler ensures maintenance of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults on a regular aerosol bronchodilator, and it is made for those who continue to have the symptoms of bronchospasm and require a second bronchodilator. Albuterol inhalers are made to treat or prevent wheezing or tighten airways in patients with asthma or certain lung or breathing problems. It also works to treat exercise-induced asthma.

Pros of Combivent and Albuterol inhaler

A Combivent inhaler combines two different bronchodilators to provide relief from breathing problems. It works within 15 minutes of inhalation, and you don’t need to shake it before puffing. On the other hand, an Albuterol inhaler works instantly to make you breathe easier during an asthma attack or when you have trouble breathing. You can take a puff when you feel shortness of breath or before going to exercise. It is often prescribed for asthma and COPD conditions, and its effect lasts up to 6 hours.

Cons of Combivent and Albuterol inhaler

A Combivent inhaler is not a rescue medication, and you might use it up to 6 times per day, or its dosages depend on the severity of COPD. People living with heart problems might not find it a good solution, and it is available as a brand-name medication to buy online or over the counter. On the other hand, an Albuterol inhaler is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) medication, so you might have to use it multiple times in an emergency. People living with asthma or other breathing difficulties should always carry it.

Side effects of Combivent and Albuterol inhaler

Combivent and Albuterol inhalers are safe, but their possible side effects cannot be underestimated. Some common side effects of these inhalers are:

• Cold symptoms
• Upper respiratory infection
• Cough
• Continuous sneezing
• Bronchitis
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Throat irritation
• Runny nose

Most of these side effects depend on the user’s age and are temporary. You are advised to use a Combivent or albuterol inhaler, but only under your doctor’s prescription. Let him decide the best inhaler for you and follow the regimen to get the best results from the prescribed inhaler. Do not abruptly stop using any inhaler even if you feel better; doing so could lead to life-threatening breathing issues.