Albuterol is considered “long-acting” and salmeterol is considered “short-acting.”

Albuterol is considered “short-acting” and salmeterol is considered “long-acting.”

Salmeterol’s effects last for 3 to 4 hours, and albuterol has an extended duration of action up to 12 hours.

Because of the onset of action, albuterol should not be used during an acute attack of asthma, but instead, salmeterol should be used.