Symbicort vs. ProAir
See how Symbicort and ProAir compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Symbicort is a daily controller inhaler that combines a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator to prevent asthma and COPD symptoms over time.
ProAir is a fast-acting rescue inhaler used to relieve sudden bronchospasm or prevent it before exercise, not for daily control.
The two are often used together: Symbicort for everyday maintenance and ProAir for quick relief when symptoms break through.
Symbicort vs. ProAir Drug Summary
Symbicort
Symbicort combines an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator to control asthma and COPD symptoms over time. It is used as a twice-daily maintenance therapy delivered through a metered-dose inhaler, not for immediate relief of a flare-up.
ProAir
ProAir is a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler used to quickly relieve sudden bronchospasm or prevent it before exercise. It is taken as needed rather than on a daily schedule, using a metered-dose inhaler with fast onset.
Symbicort vs. ProAir Side Effects
Symbicort
ProAir
Symbicort vs. ProAir Dosage
Symbicort
ProAir
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inh 80/4.5 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inh 160/4.5 mcg twice daily | 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 |
Symbicort
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inh 80/4.5 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inh 160/4.5 mcg twice daily | 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 |
Symbicort vs. ProAir Indications
Symbicort
Symbicort is FDA-approved as a daily maintenance treatment for asthma in people 6 and older and for COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It works by reducing airway inflammation and keeping airways open around the clock, not by treating a sudden flare.
Maintenance asthma treatment for ages 6 and up
Maintenance treatment for COPD (chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema)
Reduces exacerbations in COPD
Not approved for acute bronchospasm relief
ProAir
ProAir is FDA-approved to treat or prevent bronchospasm in reversible airway diseases like asthma in people 4 and older. It is also approved to prevent bronchospasm triggered by exercise when taken shortly beforehand.
Treats sudden bronchospasm in asthma and COPD
Prevents bronchospasm for ages 4 and up
Prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm when used pre-exercise
Not approved for tocolysis (pre-term labor)
Symbicort vs. ProAir Pros and Cons
Symbicort
Symbicort is a controller medication that pairs a steroid with a long-acting bronchodilator, taken every day regardless of symptoms. It carries a boxed warning about LABA-related risk and is not a substitute for a rescue inhaler.
Pros
Combines an ICS and LABA for daily control in one inhaler
Approved for both asthma (age 6+) and COPD maintenance
Reduces exacerbations with regular twice-daily use
Two strengths allow dose escalation without switching inhalers
Cons
Not for rescue use during an acute asthma attack
Carries a boxed warning for LABA-related asthma death risk
Requires twice-daily adherence even when symptom-free
Costs roughly $300 to $500 per month without insurance
ProAir
ProAir is a rescue medication that opens airways within minutes and is meant for as-needed use during symptoms or before exercise. It does not address the underlying inflammation that drives asthma, so it is often paired with a daily controller like Symbicort.
Pros
Works within minutes to relieve sudden asthma symptoms
Also approved to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm
Approved for children as young as 4 years old
Costs roughly $85 to $95 per month without insurance
Cons
Does not treat the underlying airway inflammation
Frequent use can signal worsening asthma needing other treatment
Not intended for daily maintenance dosing
Short duration of action requires redosing every 4-6 hours
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