Rescue vs maintenance inhalers, what Ventolin, Symbicort, Advair and Spiriva do, and the US equivalents of Indian brands such as Asthalin, Foracort and Seroflo.
Rescue inhalers and maintenance inhalers
Most people with asthma or COPD use two kinds of inhaler:
- A rescue (reliever) inhaler works within minutes to open the airways during wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath. Albuterol – sold as Ventolin, ProAir and Proventil, and as salbutamol outside the US – is the most common.
- A maintenance (controller) inhaler is used every day, even when you feel well, to reduce inflammation and keep the airways open. It doesn't relieve sudden symptoms.
If you need your rescue inhaler more than usual, talk to your doctor – your maintenance treatment may need changing.
Common inhalers and what they contain
| US brand | Active ingredients | Used for | Similar brands outside the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ventolin, ProAir | Albuterol | Rescue (asthma, COPD) | Asthalin, Bonair |
| Symbicort | Budesonide + formoterol | Maintenance (asthma, COPD) | Foracort |
| Advair Diskus | Fluticasone + salmeterol | Maintenance (asthma, COPD) | Seroflo, Seretide |
| Spiriva HandiHaler | Tiotropium | Maintenance (COPD) | Tiova |
Brands such as Asthalin, Foracort, Budecort, Seroflo and Tiova are made for markets outside the US and aren't FDA-approved. FDA-approved generic versions of albuterol, budesonide/formoterol, fluticasone/salmeterol and tiotropium are available in the US with a prescription.
Using your inhaler well
- Shake an aerosol inhaler before each puff, breathe out fully, then breathe in slowly as you press it.
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds if you can, then breathe out slowly.
- Rinse your mouth and spit after steroid inhalers such as budesonide/formoterol or fluticasone/salmeterol, to help prevent thrush.
- Ask your pharmacist to check your technique – many people don't get the full dose.
When it's an emergency
Call 911 if your rescue inhaler isn't helping, you're too breathless to speak, or your lips or fingertips turn blue.
We sell FDA-approved albuterol, budesonide/formoterol, fluticasone/salmeterol and tiotropium, dispensed after our pharmacist verifies your prescription.