Dulera vs. ProAir
See how Dulera and ProAir compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Dulera is a twice-daily controller inhaler that combines a steroid and long-acting bronchodilator, while ProAir is a fast-acting rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms; they are usually used together, not as substitutes.
Dulera carries a boxed warning about LABA-related asthma death risk, while ProAir's main warning is that needing it more often signals worsening asthma that needs a controller medication like Dulera.
Both inhalers list headache as a common side effect, but Dulera's other effects involve infection risk and airway irritation while ProAir's involve a faster heart rate and dizziness.
Dulera vs. ProAir Drug Summary
Dulera
Dulera is an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS/LABA) combination inhaler used for twice-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in people 5 years and older. It pairs mometasone, which reduces airway inflammation over time, with formoterol, which helps keep airways open between doses.
ProAir
ProAir is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhaler used to treat or prevent sudden asthma attacks and to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in people 4 years and older. It works within minutes by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it a rescue inhaler rather than a daily maintenance medicine.
Dulera vs. ProAir Side Effects
Dulera
ProAir
Dulera vs. ProAir Dosage
Dulera
ProAir
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inhalations 100/5 mcg BID | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inhalations 200/5 mcg BID | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Dulera
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inhalations 100/5 mcg BID | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inhalations 200/5 mcg BID | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
ProAir
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Dulera vs. ProAir Indications
Dulera
Dulera is approved as a twice-daily maintenance inhaler for asthma in patients 5 years and older. It is meant for ongoing control of airway inflammation, not for treating a sudden asthma attack.
Long-term, twice-daily control of asthma symptoms
Approved for patients 5 years of age and older
Not approved for relief of sudden bronchospasm
Combines a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator
ProAir
ProAir is approved to treat or prevent bronchospasm in reversible airway disease and to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is meant for quick relief of sudden symptoms, not daily long-term control.
Fast relief of sudden asthma or bronchospasm symptoms
Approved for patients 4 years of age and older
Can be used 15-30 minutes before exercise to prevent symptoms
Not intended as a daily maintenance treatment
Dulera vs. ProAir Pros and Cons
Dulera
Dulera is built for daily control, combining an inhaled steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator in one device. It is not a rescue option and carries warnings tied to its LABA component and long-term steroid use.
Pros
Combines two long-term controller medicines in a single inhaler
Reduces underlying airway inflammation, not just symptoms
Fixed twice-daily schedule that's easy to build into a routine
Cons
Boxed warning for increased asthma-related death risk from the LABA component
Not usable for sudden symptom relief, so a rescue inhaler is still needed
Long-term steroid risks like thrush, adrenal suppression, and bone effects
ProAir
ProAir is designed for on-demand relief rather than daily control, so it works within minutes but doesn't address underlying inflammation. It is inexpensive and widely available, but overuse can signal worsening asthma.
Pros
Works within minutes for sudden asthma or bronchospasm symptoms
Can be used just before exercise to prevent symptoms
Substantially cheaper than Dulera, roughly $85 to $95 per month without insurance
Cons
Does not treat the underlying airway inflammation causing asthma
Overuse can mask or signal worsening asthma control
Can cause noticeable tachycardia or jitteriness in some patients
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