Treatments for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly and successfully involve inhaled medicines for Advair Vs. Symbicort. Both of these breathing disorders can be treated with inhaled drugs like Advair Vs. Symbicort.
If there is a difference between advair vs symbicort, which is superior, you may be wondering. Let’s discuss what they have in common, what makes them unique, and how to determine which choice might be the best one for you.
This article discusses the fundamental distinctions and analogies between Advair Vs. Symbicort. Consult your doctor if you’re thinking about using one of these inhalers for your therapy. They may be able to assist you in determining whether one of these treatment choices is best for you.
Important distinctions between Advair Vs. Symbicort
The key distinctions between Advair and Symbicort include the following:
Form: There are two different kinds of Advair: Advair Diskus and Advair HFA. A dry powder inhaler is called a “Advair Diskus.” Aerosol inhalers include Symbicort and Advair HFA.
Dosage: Symbicort and Advair HFA both require two puffs per dose, however Advair Diskus only requires one.
See “Dosages, forms, and administration” below for further information on these two medications’ dosages.
| Brand-name drug | Corticosteroid ingredient | LABA ingredient |
| Advair | fluticasone propionate | salmeterol |
| Symbicort | budesonide | formoterol |
Can I treat an asthma attack with Advair Vs. Symbicort?
Since Advair and Symbicort are maintenance drugs, you should take them every day to maximise their effectiveness. You may occasionally be able to use Symbicort to treat your asthma symptoms right away, but only if your doctor has specifically advised you to do so. Typically, if you have a respiratory emergency, you’ll use a rescue inhaler like albuterol (Ventolin, ProAir), and if your symptoms don’t improve, you’ll contact for medical assistance.
Kids and Advair Vs. Symbicort
The following conditions can be treated with Advair and Symbicort according to FDA approval.
The FDA has given Advair Diskus approval to treat:Â
- asthma in kids ages 4 and older
Dosage for children’s asthma
The dosages of Advair and Symbicort for treating asthma in children 12 years of age and older are listed below.
Advair for asthma in certain children |
Symbicort for asthma in certain children | |
| Forms | • Advair Diskus: dry powder inhaler that contains 60 puffs • Advair HFA: aerosol inhaler that contains either 60 or 120 puffs |
aerosol inhaler that contains either 60 or 120 puffs |
| Strengths | Advair Diskus (per inhalation): • 100 mcg fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol • 250 mcg fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol • 500 mcg fluticasone propionate/50 mcg salmeterol Advair HFA (per inhalation): |
• 80 mcg budesonide/4.5 mcg formoterol • 160 mcg budesonide/4.5 mcg formoterol |
| Dose | • Advair Diskus: one puff • Advair HFA: two puffs |
two puffs |
| Frequency | • Advair Diskus: twice daily • Advair HFA: twice daily |
twice daily |
How should I use Symbicort, Advair HFA, and Advair Diskus?
Not every inhaler is made equal. Consider Symbicort and the Advair HFA and Advair Diskus inhalers as examples.
Metered-dose inhalers, or MDIs, include Symbicort. An MDI is a tiny, pressurised container that contains a substance known as a propellant as well as medication. A specified amount of medication is pushed into your lungs when you spray the canister into your mouth through the mouthpiece and inhale. Before using an MDI inhaler for the first time or after a long break, it must be primed (or shaken).
These days, hydrofluoroalkane, or HFA, inhalers are more frequently used to refer to MDI inhalers. A particular kind of propellant called HFA is used to force the medication into your mouth and lungs. It can be challenging to control your hand and breathing when using an MDI or HFA inhaler, but utilising a spacer can assist.
An example of a dry powder inhaler is the Advair Diskus. Instead of pushing medication into your lungs like an MDI or HFA inhaler does, a DPI requires you to inhale quickly and deeply while holding your breath in order to release medication into your lungs. The Advair Diskus may not be the best inhaler for you if you are unable to inhale quickly, deeply, and while holding your breath.
What is the daily dosage regimen for Advair Vs. Symbicort?
Each of the three inhalers has a prescribed amount of puffs per day and comes in various strengths. Here is a list of possible dosage and strength recommendations from your doctor. If you’re using the inhaler for asthma or COPD, your specific strength and dosage may change. You can use this chart as a guide, but make sure you adhere to the directions on your prescription precisely.
Who is eligible to use Advair Diskus, Advair HFA, and Symbicort?
When deciding which inhaler could be best for your child, you should also keep their age in mind.
- Symbicort has been given the go-ahead to treat asthma starting at age 6.
- Advair Diskus can be used to treat asthma in individuals as young as 4 years old, while Advair HFA can be used to treat asthma in kids as young as 12 years old.
- There are no age restrictions for using Symbicort and Advair Diskus, specifically the 250 mcg of fluticasone/50 mcg dose of salmeterol.
Is Symbicort or Advair more efficient?
Both Advair and Symbicort are efficient maintenance inhalers for the treatment of asthma and COPD and both include the same kinds of medications. The maintenance breathing therapy that works best for you is typically the one that you consistently use. Therefore, whichever inhaler you choose to use, make sure to always abide by the directions on your prescription.
Which is safer, Advair Vs. Symbicort?
Adverse effects of Symbicort and Advair
Because the inhalers transport the medication to your lungs, where it works, inhaled medications are typically safe. The inhaler drugs don’t have many negative effects on the rest of your body because the medication travels directly into your lungs.
The most typical adverse effects of Symbicort and Advair are those that affect your respiratory (breathing) system, however there are additional potential side effects that could affect different bodily systems. They all share the following side effect:
- upper respiratory infections
- such as sinus and throat infections
- viral respiratory infections
- such as the flu
- throat pain or irritation
- headache
- nasal congestion
- oral candidiasis or thrush
- muscle or back pain
With the stronger Symbicort (160/4.5), nausea and vomiting may also be more frequent. Additionally, you may be more susceptible to developing a cough from the Advair Diskus.
Can I take Symbicort and Advair at the same time?
You should never take Advair Vs. Symbicort together; neither will your doctor suggest them. Keep in mind that each of them include a steroid and a LABA. Since you would be taking two of each chemical, Advair and Symbicort, simultaneously, can raise your chance of side effects.
Takeaway
When contrasting Advair Vs. Symbicort, it’s important to keep in mind the following:
Advair comes in two different formulations: Advair Vs. Symbicort. While Advair Vs. Symbicort is an aerosol inhaler, Advair Diskus is a dry powder inhaler. Aerosol inhalers are also used for Symbicort.
With Advair Diskus, each dose requires just one puff. Each dose of Advair HFA and Symbicort requires two puffs.
Speak to your doctor or chemist if you want to learn more about Advair Vs. Symbicort. They can assist in addressing any queries you may have regarding the parallels and discrepancies between the medications. They can also assist in determining whether or not a certain drug will be effective for you.
