What is the difference between Albuterol and Ipratropium?

Hi HOPS - I see that Lynn has provided an excellent reply to your inquiry about the difference between Albuterol and Ipratropium.
I also thought, if you wanted to read a bit more about the medications you might find the following to be helpful.
First, this article on Albuterol: https://copd.net/treatment/medication-overview/medications/sabas/.
And next, this article which provides an overview of bronchodilators: https://copd.net/treatment/medication-overview/bronchodilators/

I hope you find these to be helpful as well.
All the best, Leon (site moderator)

Great question HOPS -

Albuterol is a fast-acting bronchodilator. It's the drug of choice for opening up the airways. It's in a drug class known as beta2- agonist.

Ipratropium bromide is in a class known as anticholinergics. This class of drugs are also effective at dilating airways, but it does it by a different means than albuterol. It tends to have fewer side effects - such as the tremors and increased heart rate that albuterol produces.

Since they work differently in relaxing smooth muscles of the airways, they are often used in combination.

I hope that answers your question.

Regards,
Lyn (moderator)