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Compare Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Montelukast (Singulair) and Breo Ellipta (fluticasone/vilanterol) are both used to manage asthma, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling by blocking leukotrienes. It is taken orally once daily, usually in the evening. Montelukast also helps manage seasonal and year-round allergies and can prevent exercise-induced asthma. Breo Ellipta, on the other hand, is an inhaled combination of a corticosteroid (fluticasone) and a long-acting beta agonist (vilanterol). It helps by reducing lung inflammation and relaxing lung muscles to open airways. Breo Ellipta is also used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is taken once daily through inhalation. Montelukast is available in various forms, including chewable tablets and granules, making it suitable for children. Breo Ellipta requires rinsing your mouth after use to prevent fungal infections, while montelukast does not have this requirement. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Montelukast (Singulair)
    Breo ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol)
  • Montelukast (Singulair)
    Breo ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol)

  • Summary of Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

    Summary for Leukotriene receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Montelukast (Singulair) is an oral medication used for allergies. It's also used for the long-term treatment of asthma and prevention of exercise-induced asthma. This medication can't be used for a sudden asthma attack, since it takes a longer time to work compared to some inhalers. It's usually an add-on treatment for asthma that might be hard to control.

    Summary for ICS / LABA combo
    Prescription only

    Breo is a combination inhaler used for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in adults and children. It contains two active ingredients, fluticasone (an inhaled corticosteroid, or ICS) and vilanterol (a long-acting beta agonist, or LABA). Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) is inhaled through the mouth once per day. It's available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects can differ based on your age and your Breo Ellipta (fluticasone / vilanterol) dose, but generally include upper respiratory tract infections, sore throat, and headache.

  • Indications of Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

    Indications for
    •Seasonal allergies
    •Year-round allergies
    •Asthma
    •Exercise-induced asthma
    Indications for
    •Maintenance treatment of asthma
    •Maintenance treatment of COPD

  • Pros and Cons of Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

    Pros and Const for Leukotriene receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Available as chewable tablets or granules for some children and their condition
    •Good option for children or those who have difficulty with inhalers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might cause serious mental health disturbances (including aggressive behavior, hallucinations, distress, and vivid dreams)
    •Can't use for an emergency asthma attack like rescue inhalers
    •Must take at least 2 hours before exercise to prevent exercise-induced asthma
    Pros and Const for ICS / LABA combo
    Pros
    •Long-term control of asthma and COPD symptoms
    •Inhaled only once per day, unlike other similar inhalers which are used twice per day
    •Might be easier to use compared to some other dry powder inhalers
    Cons
    •Can't use if you're severely allergic to milk proteins because it contains lactose
    •Need to rinse your mouth with water after each use to prevent fungal infections (thrush) in your mouth and throat
    •Doesn't replace your rescue inhaler

  • Common Side Effects of Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Fever
    •Influenza-like symptoms
    •Sore throat
    •Cough
    •Runny nose
    •Sinus inflammation
    •Belly pain
    •Heartburn
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for

    COPD:

    •Common cold (9%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Oral thrush (fungal infection in mouth) (5%)

    Asthma (adults):

    •Headache (8%)
    •Common cold (7%)

    Asthma (children):

    •Common cold (10%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

  • Warnings of Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health disturbances
    •Not for asthma attacks
    •High white blood cell counts
    •Chewable tablets not for people with phenylketonuria (PKU)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for asthma attacks, COPD flare ups, or worsening breathing
    •Fungal infection in the mouth
    •Narrowing of your airways (bronchospasm)
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Delayed growth in children
    •Eye and vision problems
    •Heart problems
    •Low potassium levels in the blood
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Singulair vs. Breo Ellipta

    Learn more about Montelukast
    Learn more about Breo ellipta

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