ProAir vs. Flovent
See how ProAir and Flovent compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
ProAir is a rescue inhaler that relieves sudden asthma symptoms within minutes, while Flovent is a daily maintenance inhaler that reduces airway inflammation over time.
ProAir should not be used for daily asthma control, and Flovent should not be used to treat an asthma attack in progress.
Both drugs treat asthma but come from different drug classes and are often prescribed together as part of the same treatment plan.
ProAir vs. Flovent Drug Summary
ProAir
ProAir (albuterol sulfate) is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) inhaler used to relieve sudden asthma symptoms and prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. It is taken as needed with a metered-dose inhaler, with effects starting within minutes. It does not treat the underlying inflammation that causes asthma.
Flovent
Flovent (fluticasone propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) used for daily maintenance treatment of asthma. It is taken twice a day using a metered-dose inhaler or Diskus powder inhaler to reduce airway inflammation over time. It is not intended for relief of a sudden asthma attack.
ProAir vs. Flovent Side Effects
ProAir
Flovent
ProAir vs. Flovent Dosage
ProAir
Flovent
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 88 mcg twice daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
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 |
Flovent
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 88 mcg twice daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
ProAir vs. Flovent Indications
ProAir
ProAir is FDA-approved to treat or prevent bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease, including asthma, in patients 4 years and older. It is also approved to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm when used shortly before physical activity. It is not approved to stop preterm labor, a use sometimes confused with its bronchodilator effect.
Relieves acute asthma symptoms (ages 4+)
Prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm
Used as needed, not on a fixed schedule
Not approved for preterm labor treatment
Flovent
Flovent is FDA-approved for maintenance treatment of asthma as prophylactic therapy in patients 4 years and older. It is also approved for patients with asthma who require oral corticosteroid therapy, helping reduce or eliminate the need for oral steroids. It is not approved to relieve an acute asthma attack or treat status asthmaticus.
Daily maintenance asthma therapy (ages 4+)
Used in patients needing oral steroids
Taken on a fixed twice-daily schedule
Not approved for acute asthma attacks
ProAir vs. Flovent Pros and Cons
ProAir
ProAir works within minutes to open airways during an asthma flare-up, making it the standard rescue inhaler most people with asthma carry. Because it only treats symptoms as they happen, it needs to be paired with a controller medication like an inhaled steroid for people with persistent asthma.
Pros
Starts working within minutes for acute symptoms
Simple as-needed dosing, no daily schedule required
Built-in dose counter tracks doses remaining
Authorized generic version available since 2019
Cons
Does not reduce airway inflammation over time
Can cause tachycardia and other cardiac effects
Frequent use can mask worsening asthma control
Not intended as a stand-alone daily asthma therapy
Flovent
Flovent reduces the airway inflammation that drives asthma over the long term, lowering the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Because it works gradually, it must be taken every day even when symptoms feel well controlled, and it cannot substitute for a rescue inhaler during an attack.
Pros
Reduces long-term airway inflammation, not just symptoms
Can lower or eliminate need for oral steroids
Multiple dose strengths allow personalized titration
Generic fluticasone propionate now available
Cons
Takes days to weeks to reach full effect
Requires strict twice-daily adherence to work
Can cause oral thrush; rinsing mouth after use needed
Long-term use may affect bone density and growth
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