ProAir vs. Pulmicort
See how ProAir and Pulmicort compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
ProAir is a quick-relief inhaler used as needed for sudden asthma symptoms, while Pulmicort is a twice-daily steroid inhaler that controls inflammation over time.
ProAir starts working within minutes but does not treat the underlying inflammation that causes asthma flare-ups.
Pulmicort takes days to weeks to build its full effect and is not meant for immediate symptom relief during an asthma attack.
ProAir vs. Pulmicort Drug Summary
ProAir
ProAir is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) delivered through a metered-dose inhaler that quickly relaxes airway muscles. It is used to treat or prevent sudden bronchospasm in asthma and other reversible airway diseases, and to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, in patients 4 years and older.
Pulmicort
Pulmicort is an inhaled corticosteroid delivered through a twice-daily dry powder inhaler that reduces airway inflammation over time. It is approved as a maintenance treatment for asthma in patients 6 years and older, taken on a regular schedule rather than for immediate relief.
ProAir vs. Pulmicort Side Effects
ProAir
Pulmicort
ProAir vs. Pulmicort Dosage
ProAir
Pulmicort
| 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 | 180 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 180 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 |
Pulmicort
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 180 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 180 mcg twice daily | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
ProAir vs. Pulmicort Indications
ProAir
ProAir treats sudden asthma symptoms by relaxing tightened airway muscles within minutes. It is also used just before exercise to prevent breathing difficulty triggered by physical activity. Doctors prescribe it for patients as young as 4 years old.
Treats or prevents bronchospasm in reversible airway disease
Prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm
Approved for patients 4 years and older
Used as a rescue inhaler on an as-needed basis
Pulmicort
Pulmicort is taken every day to control asthma inflammation and reduce flare-ups over time. It is not meant to treat an asthma attack already underway. It is approved for ages 6 and up, and sometimes used off-label for eosinophilic esophagitis.
Maintenance treatment for asthma prophylaxis
Approved for patients 6 years and older
Used on a fixed twice-daily schedule
Off-label use for eosinophilic esophagitis (not FDA-approved)
ProAir vs. Pulmicort Pros and Cons
ProAir
ProAir works within minutes, making it the go-to choice for sudden asthma symptoms or before exercise. It does not address the underlying airway inflammation that drives asthma over time. Needing it more often than usual can be a sign that asthma is not well controlled.
Pros
Starts working within minutes for fast symptom relief
Simple as-needed dosing, no daily schedule required
Built-in dose counter tracks doses remaining
Roughly $85 to $95 per month before insurance, lower than Pulmicort
Cons
Does not treat the underlying airway inflammation
Not intended for daily asthma control
Frequent use may signal worsening asthma needing other treatment
Can raise heart rate and affect blood pressure
Pulmicort
Pulmicort steadily lowers airway inflammation, which can mean fewer and milder asthma flare-ups over months of consistent use. It provides no relief during an active asthma attack, so it must be paired with a rescue inhaler. The dry powder form also carries some steroid-specific risks.
Pros
Reduces airway inflammation for long-term control
Available as Respules for children too young for Flexhaler
May lower the frequency of asthma flare-ups over time
Simple, predictable twice-daily dosing schedule
Cons
Does not relieve acute bronchospasm or asthma attacks
Contains trace milk proteins, risky for milk protein allergy
Can cause oral thrush; rinsing mouth after use is advised
Roughly $200 to $350 per month before insurance, higher than ProAir
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