Inhaler brand and generic names
Short-acting bronchodilators (SABA)
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type | Route / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProAir / Ventolin / Proventil | albuterol | SABAs | Metered-dose inhaler (HFA) |
| Ventolin HFA | albuterol sulfate | Short-acting beta agonists | Metered-dose inhaler (HFA) |
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and combinations
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type | Route / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flovent HFA | fluticasone propionate | Inhaled corticosteroids | Metered-dose inhaler (HFA); Flovent brand discontinued (Jan 2024); generic fluticasone HFA available |
| Pulmicort | budesonide | Corticosteroids | Inhalation suspension (nebulizer) |
| Advair | fluticasone, salmeterol | ICS / LABA | Dry powder inhaler |
| Symbicort | budesonide, formoterol | ICS / LABA | Metered-dose inhaler (HFA) |
| Breo Ellipta | fluticasone, vilanterol | ICS / LABA | Dry powder inhaler |
| Trelegy Ellipta | fluticasone, umeclidinium, vilanterol | ICS / LAMA / LABA | Dry powder inhaler |
Branded Flovent HFA was discontinued in the US effective January 2024; fluticasone propionate HFA inhalation aerosol (authorized generic and other generics) replaced it.
Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) example
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type | Route / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiriva | tiotropium | LAMAs | HandiHaler / Respimat (product-specific) |
SABA/LAMA combination example
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type | Route / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combivent / DuoNeb | albuterol, ipratropium | SABA / SAMA | Metered-dose inhaler |
Understanding asthma and COPD inhalers
SABAs such as albuterol provide quick bronchodilation. ICS products reduce airway inflammation. LAMAs such as tiotropium provide long-acting bronchodilation in COPD.
Combination inhalers list every active ingredient—Advair contains fluticasone and salmeterol; Trelegy adds umeclidinium to fluticasone and vilanterol.
Naming patterns and memory tips
HFA and Ellipta describe device/formulation families on the brand. Learn ingredient lists before device nicknames.
Commonly confused inhaler names
ProAir and Ventolin
Both are albuterol HFA inhalers—different brands, same generic ingredient class.
Flovent and Flonase
Flovent–fluticasone is inhaled; Flonase–fluticasone propionate is intranasal.