Key takeaways
Montelukast (Singulair) and Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol) are both used to manage asthma, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist taken orally, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling by blocking leukotrienes. It's also used to treat year-round and seasonal allergies and prevent exercise-induced asthma. Advair, on the other hand, is an inhaled combination of a corticosteroid (fluticasone) and a long-acting beta agonist (salmeterol). It helps by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles in your lungs. Advair is used for both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but it can't be used for sudden asthma attacks. Advair is available in different forms, like Advair Diskus and Advair HFA. Montelukast is taken once daily, usually in the evening, whereas Advair is typically inhaled twice daily. Montelukast can cause serious mental health side effects, while Advair can lead to fungal infections in the mouth and throat if you don't rinse your mouth after use. Both montelukast and Advair are available as lower-cost generics.
