Flovent (fluticasone propionate) and albuterol are two asthma medications with different therapeutic classes; Albuterol acts as a bronchodilator while Flovent acts as an anabolic steroid.
Doctors typically prescribe Flovent HFA or Diskus when short-acting rescue inhalers don’t adequately control asthma symptoms, while combination inhalers containing both corticosteroid and LABA may provide maintenance treatment.
Flovent Vs Albuterol
Usage
Flovent (fluticasone propionate) is a prescription drug used to treat breathing issues like asthma. It works by decreasing inflammation in the airways, making breathing easier. This medication belongs to a group known as inhaled corticosteroids or controllers and can only be purchased with a valid doctor’s prescription.
The drug comes as both a solution for inhalation via a jet nebulizer (a machine that turns liquid medicine into fine mist) or as powder for oral inhalation through mouthpiece or face mask.
Additionally, LABAs can be added as part of combination inhalers alongside antihistamines for added effectiveness; alternatively it can also be combined with inhaled steroids as part of an incremental approach to managing symptoms.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends adding these as part of stepwise approaches to managing symptoms as part of stepwise approaches towards managing symptoms as part of stepwise steps towards effective management.
Too frequently or at high doses, taking medication may cause your body to absorb more than necessary. This could result in side effects like weight gain, face puffiness, muscles in arms and legs becoming stiff or weakening of bones, as well as increasing risk for tuberculosis or herpes infections due to reduced immunity.
Mechanism of Action
Flovent is an inhaled corticosteroid medication used to manage respiratory conditions like asthma. It works by inhibiting inflammation and stopping triggers such as allergens or irritants from overreacting, effectively preventing flare-ups of asthma symptoms as well as flare-ups altogether.
For best results, this medicine should be prescribed along with rescue inhalers like albuterol in order to ensure effective prevention or relief when necessary.
Albuterol (or salbutamol), is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA). It opens the airways, making breathing easier, starting working within minutes and lasting up to 6 hours; sometimes combined with steroids for additional protection from asthma flare-ups.
Medication comes both aerosol and powder forms. Powder medication should be mixed with water in a nebulizer before inhalation through either a mouthpiece or face mask. Regular maintenance and cleaning should be performed on this equipment, while it should also be kept stored in its foil pouch until needed for inhalation. It’s important that expiration dates be observed as this will reduce effectiveness over time.
Effectiveness
Flovent contains fluticasone propionate, a corticosteroid medication. This corticosteroid helps to relax the immune system that triggers an asthma attack and is typically prescribed in combination with other medicines like LABAs. Available as both nebulizer solution or inhaler form, it should be used daily to manage asthma symptoms.
Albuterol acts as a bronchodilator, opening airways to make breathing easier. Also known as salbutamol outside of the United States, Albuterol can be administered using various nebulizer devices or metered dose inhalers.
Albuterol works like other beta-2 agonists to target beta-2 adrenergic receptors to relax bronchial smooth muscles, as well as block immediate hypersensitivity mediator release from cells. While albuterol may provide short-term symptom relief, its most beneficial use lies within a stepwise approach for managing asthma (MedlinePlus, 2016).
Both Flovent and albuterol work best when taken on a consistent schedule, at around the same time each day. Missing doses could worsen asthma symptoms; therefore it’s essential that you follow doctor orders by using your inhaler at its designated time and taking it at its prescribed time each day.
Side Effects
Both Flovent and albuterol work to alleviate asthma symptoms. Their main distinction lies in how they’re administered: Flovent serves as a long-term treatment, while albuterol can act as a rescue inhaler during sudden attacks. Both medications come in both dry inhaler called Flovent Diskus and aerosol inhalers like Flovent HFA, each working to improve breathing within minutes and can be taken multiple times each day for maximum effect.
Both medications may cause unwanted side effects, including mouth irritation and cough. They also increase your risk for paradoxical bronchospasm – wheezing or difficulty breathing immediately after taking the medicine; this is often an indicator of an allergic reaction and should be addressed quickly with medical assistance.
Flovent HFA and Qvar (fluticasone propionate) medications may increase your chances of oral thrush, which is an infection caused by fungal growths in the mouth and throat. To help mitigate this side effect, rinse your mouth out after taking these medicines with water before spitting out without swallowing; additionally a spacer device could be beneficial when combined with these meds.
Suitability
Albuterol can quickly relieve breathing difficulties during an asthma attack. Students who borrow an emergency-relief inhaler from a friend can avoid worsening symptoms or emergency department visits by borrowing one for quick relief. This practice violates school policies which forbid sharing prescription medication.
Schools that stock albuterol (much like they stock epinephrine for anaphylaxis) and instruct their students how to use an inhaler and spacer correctly can assist children living with asthma in managing their condition while at school.
Accolate (beclomethasone) and Singulair (montelukast sodium) are inhaled combination steroids/albuterol medications commonly prescribed to those whose asthma cannot be managed effectively with just inhaled steroids alone; however, these may cost significantly more than an albuterol inhaler.
Some states now permit schools to carry and administer quick-relief inhalers for asthma without needing a valid prescription, potentially cutting 911 calls down significantly and saving lives.
How Albuterol and Flovent Differ in Their Effects on the Body
Albuterol: Providing Quick Relief
When it comes to treating asthma symptoms, Albuterol takes a fast-acting approach. Classified as a bronchodilator, it swiftly relaxes the muscles in the airways, enabling improved airflow.
This rapid relief makes Albuterol an ideal option for short-term alleviation of asthma symptoms. By opening up the air passages, it allows for easier breathing during an asthma episode.
Flovent: Long-Term Prevention
In contrast, Flovent functions as a controller medication that focuses on long-term prevention rather than immediate relief. By targeting inflammation within the airways, it effectively minimizes the risk of asthma attacks.
As a result, Flovent is not designed for acute asthma episodes and should not be mistaken for a quick-relief medication.
Potential Drug Interactions between Flovent and Albuterol
While there is a minor drug interaction between Flovent HFA and albuterol, it is considered to be of low significance, as stated by Drugs.com.
Monitoring the patient for any adverse effects can effectively manage this interaction in a safe manner. It is crucial to note that Flovent interacts with a total of 96 medications, including albuterol.
To avoid potential drug interactions, it is vital to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products. By providing a comprehensive overview, you can ensure the safe and effective use of both Flovent and albuterol.
