What is the Difference Between Ipratropium Bromide and Albuterol Sulfate

The key difference between ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate is that ipratropium bromide is more effective than albuterol sulfate, especially in patients having COPD.

Both ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate are important medications we can use to prevent or treat conditions related to the respiratory system, such as asthma. Ipratropium bromide is a type of anticholinergic medication sold under the trade name Atrovent. Albuterol sulfate is a medication useful in preventing and treating wheezing and shortness of breath.

CONTENT

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Ipratropium Bromide 
3. What is Albuterol Sulfate
4. Ipratropium Bromide vs Albuterol Sulfate in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Ipratropium Bromide vs Albuterol Sulfate 

What is Ipratropium Bromide?

Ipratropium bromide is a type of anticholinergic medication sold under the trade name Atrovent. It can open up medium and large airways in the lungs. We can use this medication to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Inhalers and nebulizers also use this medication. Typically, the onset of action of ipratropium bromide is in the range of 15 to 30 minutes and can last for up to 3-5 hours. The metabolism of this medication inside the body is hepatic, and the elimination half-life is usually about 2 hours.

The most common side effects of ipratropium bromide are dry mouth, cough, and inflammation of the airways. However, there can be some potentially serious side effects such as urinary retention, worsening spasms of the airways, severe allergic reactions, etc. Although it shows serious side effects, apparently, it is safe to be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Ipratropium bromide is administrated through inhalation for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma exacerbation. Typically, this medication is supplied in a canister to be used in an inhaler or in single-dose vials to be used in a nebulizer. Furthermore, we can use ipratropium bromide to treat and prevent minor and moderate bronchial asthma, reduce rhinorrhea, management of COPD, etc.

What is Albuterol Sulfate?

Albuterol sulfate is a medication useful in preventing and treating wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems. This medication is important in preventing asthma that is caused by exercise. It is a quick-relief medication. Moreover, albuterol sulfate belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It can work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, which can help in opening up them and letting patients breathe more easily.

There can be some common side effects of using this medication: dizziness, shaking, headache, nausea, mouth/throat dryness, irritation, unusual taste, etc. Further, it can raise blood pressure, so it is important to check blood pressure regularly. The serious side effects include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, rapid breathing, and confusion.

The method of administration of albuterol sulfate is inhalation by mouth. Typically, it is taken every 4-6 hours as needed. Moreover, the dosage depends on the medical condition of an individual and the response to the treatment. It is not suitable to increase the dose without the permission of a  doctor. This is because high doses can lead to severe side effects.

What is the Difference Between Ipratropium Bromide and Albuterol Sulfate?

Both ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate are important medications used to prevent or treat conditions related to the respiratory system, such as asthma. The key difference between ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate is that ipratropium bromide is more effective than albuterol sulfate, especially in patients having COPD.

The below infographic presents the differences between ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Ipratropium Bromide vs Albuterol Sulfate

Ipratropium bromide is a type of anticholinergic medication sold under the trade name Atrovent. Albuterol sulfate is a medication useful in preventing and treating wheezing and shortness of breath that is caused by breathing problems. The key difference between ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate is that ipratropium bromide is more effective than albuterol sulfate, especially in patients having COPD.

Reference:

1. “Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Ipratropium bromide” By Vaccinationist – PubChem (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Albuterol Sulfate (1)” By Intropin – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia