Albuterol vs Symbicort

What is Albuterol?

Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing muscles that surround the airways. This allows air to flow more easily into and out of the lungs. Albuterol can be used to treat acute symptoms of asthma, chronic asthma, and exercise-induced asthma (EIA). It can also be used for long-term treatment of people with severe persistent asthma who still have symptoms on a regular basis.

How Does Albuterol Work?

Albuterol works by relaxing muscles that surround the airways, allowing air to flow in and out of the lungs. There are a few different ways albuterol can relax these muscles. One way is by chemically "binding" to specific receptors (such as alpha and beta) in the muscles that surround the lungs.

This allows albuterol to act as an agonist (an agent that binds to and activates a receptor). It does not matter if you have asthma or not, everyone has these specific receptors in their body. Once albuterol binds to these receptors, it soothes the muscles that surround the airways. This allows air to flow more easily into and out of the lungs.

Common Side Effects of Albuterol

1.  Headache: Headache is a common side effect of albuterol. It is a mild, temporary headache that is often described as a feeling like there is a carnival spinning inside your head. This type of headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, and then it will go away on its own.

2.  Dizziness: Dizziness is also a common side effect of albuterol treatment. It can be a mild or severe symptom, depending on how much you previously have been exposed to albuterol. You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing more severe dizziness.

3.  Sore Throat: Sore throat is a common side effect of albuterol treatment. It can be mild or severe, and that depends on your sensitivity to albuterol. Rarely, sore throat can become a more serious condition called laryngitis. See a doctor if you have a severe sore throat.

4.  Runny Nose: Runny nose is a common side effect of albuterol treatment. It can be mild or severe, and it depends on how much you have been exposed to albuterol in the past.

5.  Fast Heartbeat: A fast heartbeat is a common side effect of albuterol. You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing more severe heart palpitations.

6.  Tremors and Shakiness: As albuterol opens up the airways, it can also cause tremors and shakiness. This side effect is likely temporary, and will go away as the body adjusts to albuterol treatment.

What is Symbicort?

Symbicort is a combination medicine that contains budesonide and formoterol. However, unlike albuterol, symbicort generic doesn't provide quick relief. Symbicort is used to prevent wheezing, shortness of breath, and other breathing problems in people with asthma.

The drug may also be used to treat other breathing conditions, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) treatment. It reduces inflammation in the airways by opening up airways so that air can flow in and out of the lungs more easily.

How Does Symbicort Work?

Symbicort Generic works by relaxing muscles that surround the airways, allowing air to flow more easily into and out of the lungs. The two key elements in symbicort are budesonide and formoterol. Budesonide is a steroid that reduces inflammation and swelling in the airway. Formoterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles around the lungs.

Common Side Effects of Symbicort

1.  Headache: Headache is a common side effect of symbicort treatment. It can be mild or severe, depending on your sensitivity to the medicine. If the headache persists or is severe, you might have to consider consulting your doctor.

2.  Inflammation in the nose and throat: Inflammation in the nose and throat is a common side effect seen among people taking symbicort. This can be mild or severe, depending on your sensitivity to symbicort.

3.  Sinus Pain: It is a common side effect of symbicort treatment. The extent of sinus pain due to Symbicort intake varies greatly among individuals. You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing more severe sinus pain.

4.  Stuffy Nose: Stuffy nose is a common side effect of symbicort treatment. A stuffy nose can be a nuisance to your everyday life although it sounds simple. See a doctor if you have severe nasal congestion.

5.  Stomach Discomfort: When you first start taking symbicort, it's possible to have some mild stomach discomfort. These symptoms are usually temporary, and they will go away once your body adjusts to the medication.

6.  A higher risk for infections in the mouth and throat (thrush): If you have had any type of upper respiratory infection or other illness, it's possible to develop thrush after starting symbicort. If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, fever, or mouth pain while taking symbicort, stop taking the medication and call your doctor.

Conclusion

Of course, albuterol and symbicort are both two powerful drugs that can help people with asthma and related breathing conditions. They can open up airways, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles. However, albuterol and symbicort work in slightly different ways to reduce inflammation and relax muscles. Therefore, only a doctor can decide which drug is right for you. It all depends on what symptoms you are experiencing.