What’s the difference between symbicort and albuterol?

Are you tired of struggling to breathe during your workouts or unable to keep up with your friend who has a VO2 max that makes Lance Armstrong look like a couch potato? Look no further, we’ve got the 411 on two prescription inhalers known as Symbicort and Albuterol.

Overview

So, let’s start at the beginning. First things first, both Symbicort and Albuterol are bronchodilators which means they relax muscles in your airways making it easier for you to breathe.

  • Sneaky Terminology: Bronchodilator – noun [Medicine]. an agent that dilates constricted bronchi and thereby improves breathing.
  • Insider Tip: Dilating is similar to widening, but way cooler because it is medical terminology.

How do these inhalers work their magic?

Albuterol works rapidly by relaxing the muscles in our lungs’ walls when inhaled; this provides quick relief from asthma symptoms via beta-2 receptor stimulation. Meanwhile, (what a great transition word) Symbicort contains long acting beta agonist formoterol & steroid budesonide leading to gradual reduction of inflammation over time.

Both drugs have different unique selling points depending on what type of patient you are. Are you looking for short-term relief or a long term solution?

Comparing The Ingredients

It might seem like we already covered everything about how these little guys help us out so here is some more info regarding ingredients:

Drug Name Active Ingredient(s)
Symbicort Budesonide + Formoterol
Albuterol Salbutamol ( aka albuterallllll)

Indications

Let’s face it, sometimes we just don’t know which inhaler to use and when. Fortunately, there are indications ( aka why your doctor prescribed you one or the other) that’ll help make things a little clearer.

Drug Name Indications For Use
Symbicort Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Albuterol Asthma
    Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm

Potential Side Effects

Every medication has potential side effects and both Symbicort & Albuterol are no different. No need to stress out about anything though because these drugs have more benefits than adverse reactions! Still, let us outline some of the risks involved:

  • Sneaky Terminology: Adverse Reaction – noun [medical]. Any unexpected or harmful reaction to a drug.

Some potential adverse reactions/Contraindications for Both Inhalers include:

  • Tremors
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Mouth/throat irritation
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Higher Risk of Yeast Infection in Throat/Candida Overgrowth

Disclaimer alert! The above list is not exhaustive. If you experience any new symptoms after using either of these bronchodilators please contact your health provider ASAP while applying some calmness techniques. Breathing is everything!

When Should You Avoid These Medications? Contraindications can be:

Stopping/Switching From Another Long-Term Steroid Inhaler Without Consultation

Patients on another long-term steroid inhaler shouldn’t stop before discussing with their healthcare provider first as stopping suddenly may lead to adrenal crisis characterized by weakness/fatigue indicated by low blood pressure/confusion.

Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure

Beta agonists like the ones found in albuterol and formoterol (in symbicort) can worsen high blood pressure. Ensure to inform your physician if you have hypertension.

Pregnant & Nursing Moms

Symbicort is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers as few studies suggest adverse reactions or complications varying from lessened fetal growth, gestational diabetes increase, low birth weight or stillbirth however please consult with your ob/gyn.

Symbicort Specific Contraindications include:

Allergy to Milk Proteins

Besides people who gain enjoyment from gobbling up lactose-free food( which helps prevent symptoms associated with milk protein intolerance), those allergic to aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might also develop an allergy when using Symbicort according to some research so be on the lookout should they decide (because sometimes these allergies are fickle)  another inhaler is safe instead.

The Verdict: Which Inhaler Wins?

Both Symbicort and Albuterol inhalers do a pretty bang-up job of making it easier for individuals with bronchial issues susceptible at times during exercise performance, everyday life, etc., making them breathe much better by opening their tiny airways- without being too invasive regarding possible side effects. In essence … drum roll; neither drug wins because it depends entirely on individual needs!!!

Conclusion

It’s important to always discuss options/respective contraindications while keeping in mind what works best for YOU. So next time asthma strikes(hopefully never), put the helmet away and focus more on getting back into shape!

Random Posts