Compare Atrovent vs. Symbicort

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Controls COPD.

First choice inhaler for controlling mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Helps with long-term asthma and COPD symptoms.

Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination of two medicines that works well for people with worsening asthma or COPD.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 394 reviewsforSymbicort
Upsides
  • The nebulizer is available in generic.
  • Available in combination with albuterol in case Atrovent (ipratropium) by itself is not enough to control your symptoms.
  • Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) every day works well to treat asthma and COPD.
  • Combines two medicines in one inhaler.
  • Can be used long-term and causes fewer side effects than other oral treatments that are sometimes used to treat asthma.
Downsides
  • Effects don't last long so it needs to be used multiple times a day.
  • Doesn't work fast enough to be used as a rescue inhaler for COPD attacks.
  • The inhaler is only available in brand name.
  • Can cause infections in your mouth and throat, so you need to rinse your mouth with water after using it each time.
  • Since both medicines in Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) can cause side effects, you may get headaches and infections while using it.
  • People with COPD need to use the higher dose of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol).
  • This drug can't be used as a rescue inhaler if you get an asthma attack. It can only be used for the daily management of asthma and COPD.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Inhaler
  • Nebulizer solution
  • Inhaler
Price
Lowest price
$20.61
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Lowest price
$378.74
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Reviews
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394 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
10possible side effects
  • Bronchitis
    10%
  • COPD attack
    8%
  • Shortness of breath
    8%
  • Headache
    6%
  • Influenza like symptoms
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    4%
  • Nausea
    4%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
See more detailed side effects
10possible side effects
  • Headache
    11%
  • Chest or sinus infection
    11%
  • Cold symptoms
    10%
  • Sore throat
    9%
  • Stomach discomfort
    7%
  • Stuffy nose
    3%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Mouth infection
    3%
  • Flu symptoms
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Not a rescue inhaler
  • Serious allergic reaction
  • COPD attack
  • Urination problems
    • Benign prostate hyperplasia
    • Urinary neck obstruction
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Asthma-related death
    • Children and adolescents
    • Age 65 or older
    • Using Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) more often than prescribed
  • Mouth and throat infection
    • Mouth and throat infection
  • Worsening of asthma flare-up
  • Weakened immune system
    • Not up-to-date on vaccinations
    • Taking other corticosteroids
    • Current infection that's not being treated
  • Reduced growth rate in children
    • Children
    • High dose of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
    • Long-term use of Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Heart effects
    • History of heart disease
    • High blood pressure
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Atrovent (ipratropium)
Learn more about Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)