Albuterol vs Flovent
What to choose Albuterol or Flovent
The medications prescribed to treat asthma symptoms tend to be very similar due to similarities in action and effect. Some of these drugs are Flovent and Albuterol, which are often used to treat patients with asthma and COPD. In this article you will find some comparative characteristics of these two drugs.
Both Flovent and Albuterol are produced in the form of inhalers, which contain the drug in the form of an aerosol or powder. They both struggle with symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pressure, and breathing problems that are common for asthma.
Flovent
The drug is available in both a powder inhaler and an aerosol inhaler form. Fluticasone is the active ingredient and the main medicine included in the inhaler. Fluticasone belongs to the group of corticosteroids.
Flovent is not an emergency medicine and should be taken for a long time to achieve the best treatment result. As a lifesaving drug, another drug can be prescribed which can be used in combination with Flovent.
This inhaler is produced only in a branded form. Before buying Flovent, you can call your insurance company and ask if your insurance covers this drug.
The use of Flovent can cause the following side effects: cough, rhinitis, headache, dizziness, throat infections, nausea, and throat infections. Ask your doctor for a complete list of Flovent side effects. Also, rinse your mouth with water after each use of the inhaler to prevent fungal infections. If after using Flovent you get a rash, swelling and difficulty breathing, you should immediately seek medical attention, as these side effects are very serious.
Albuterol
The medicine Albuterol is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles and expanding the airways in the bronchi, which helps to get the required amount of air into the lungs and suppress the bronchospasm that occurs due to asthma.
Albuterol begins to work a few minutes after using the inhaler and its effect lasts up to 6 hours. Many inhalers with other brand names contain Albuterol and have the same action.
Usually Albuterol is used as the main drug without additional inhalation drugs. However, everything is individual, and only the doctor can decide which medications you need. Albuterol inhalers act quickly and can suppress bronchospasm and restore breathing in a short time.
An asthma attack can come on suddenly. It is often caused by interaction with an irritant or allergen. If you know what your irritant is, then you can prevent the bronchospasm by taking the medication some time before interacting with your irritant.
Advice
Before purchasing an inhaler it is necessary to consult the doctor and get a prescription. Much depends on the complexity of your disease. You may need more than one medicine to control your symptoms of asthma and COPD.
Take your medication exactly as directed and as recommended by your doctor. Rinse your mouth with water after each inhalation. If you are aware of irritants that can cause an asthma attack, take the medication in advance of the contact with the irritant to prevent the attack. Never change your own prescribed dosage of a medicine, do not lower or increase it without consulting your doctor.
If your inhaler does not work, or if you feel unwell after using the medication, you should immediately seek medical attention. Asthma is a dangerous disease. During the period of therapy, you must constantly be under the supervision of your doctor and inform him or her about any changes in your health.
Albuterol and Flovent Comparison
| Albuterol | Flovent | |
|---|---|---|
| Type: | Rescue | Control |
| Manufacturer: | - | GSK |
| Substance: | Fluticasone | |
| Dosage: | - | 44 mcg, 110 mcg, 220 mcg |
| Avg Price: | - | $198 |