Inhaler dose comparison: what the numbers really mean
Trying to compare inhalers can feel like reading a foreign language. One label lists "100 mcg per puff," another says "1 inhalation," and a third shows a strength in milligrams. Here’s a practical way to read those labels and figure out what’s comparable—without guessing.
How inhaler doses are listed and why it matters
Most inhalers show the active drug amount per actuation (per puff). For short-acting relievers like albuterol (salbutamol), a single puff is often about 90–100 mcg of drug. For preventer inhalers (inhaled corticosteroids or ICS), labels usually show micrograms per dose, too—but delivery varies by device.
Device type matters: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) spray a measured dose, while dry powder inhalers (DPIs) rely on your breath to pick up the powder. That changes how much medicine actually reaches your lungs. A 100-mcg dose from an MDI may not equal 100 mcg from a DPI in real-world delivery.
Manufacturers also list total doses per canister. If you see 200 doses, that tells you how many puffs are inside—useful when calculating monthly cost or supply. But remember: spacers increase lung delivery from MDIs, so they effectively change how much medicine you get per puff.
Practical tips to compare inhalers safely
1) Compare active ingredient, not brand name. Look at the drug (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide, formoterol). Two inhalers with the same drug are easier to match than different drugs with similar effects.
2) Check mcg per actuation. That number is the starting point. If one inhaler lists 100 mcg per puff and another 250 mcg, you know there’s a real dose difference.
3) Consider delivery and device. An MDI plus spacer often delivers more drug to the lungs than the bare MDI. DPIs depend on how hard you inhale—kids and some adults may get less drug from a DPI if they can’t inhale strongly.
4) Look at recommended daily dose. Many inhaled steroids list a low/medium/high daily dose range. Compare those ranges rather than single-puff numbers to understand typical use.
5) Ask about equivalence when switching. If your pharmacy or doctor suggests a substitute, ask for the equivalent daily dose and whether you should change how you inhale (with a spacer, technique tips, etc.).
6) Watch for combination inhalers. Many inhalers mix a steroid plus a long-acting bronchodilator. Don’t try to match components separately without professional advice—combination strengths vary.
Quick checklist before you switch or compare: confirm the active ingredient, note mcg per puff and total puffs per canister, check device type (MDI vs DPI), and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about real-world equivalence. Small differences in delivery can matter—so get a clear, practical conversion before you make a change.
Curious if there’s a real match to Symbicort? Here’s a side-by-side on doses, devices, and surprising facts about inhaler tech in 2025. Navigate options with confidence.
