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Compare Singulair vs. Flonase

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

Key takeaways

Montelukast (Singulair) and fluticasone (Flonase, Flonase Sensimist) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist taken orally. It helps manage asthma and prevent exercise-induced asthma, in addition to treating seasonal and year-round allergies. Montelukast is not suitable for sudden asthma attacks. It is available in generic form and comes in tablets, chewable tablets, and granules. On the other hand, fluticasone is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in the nose to relieve symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Fluticasone is available both by prescription and over-the-counter, and it also comes in generic form. Both medications are taken once daily, but fluticasone should not be used for more than 6 months without consulting a healthcare provider. Montelukast can cause serious mental health side effects, whereas fluticasone can lead to nosebleeds, slower growth in children, and increased risk of eye problems and infections.

  • Montelukast (Singulair)
    Fluticasone nasal spray
  • Montelukast (Singulair)
    Fluticasone nasal spray

  • Summary of Singulair vs. Flonase

    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 Corticosteroid

    Fluticasone nasal spray is used to treat allergy symptoms, like runny nose and sneezing. Fluticasone nasal spray comes in brand and generic forms, and is available by a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Fluticasone nasal spray must be used daily in order for you to experience the maximum benefits. But if you're using OTC versions of this medication, don't use it for more than 6 months at a time (or 2 months at a time, for children) without first speaking to your provider.

  • Indications of Singulair vs. Flonase

    Indications for
    •Seasonal allergies
    •Year-round allergies
    •Asthma
    •Exercise-induced asthma
    Indications for

    Nasal symptoms from allergies, such as:

    •Congestion
    •Runny nose
    •Sneezing
    •Itchy nose
    •Itchy, watery eyes

  • Pros and Cons of Singulair vs. Flonase

    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 Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Only has to be used once a day and can last up to 24 hours
    •Available OTC
    •Some formulations have generic versions
    •Can be used safely in children as young as 4 years old
    •Flonase Sensimist is a gentler version that can be used in children as young as 2 years old
    Cons
    •Not a good option if you have an injured nose or had recent nasal surgery
    •Can raise the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose
    •Can slow down growth rate in children if used for longer than 2 months per year
    •Can raise the risk for certain eye problems

  • Common Side Effects of Singulair vs. Flonase

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Fever
    •Influenza-like symptoms
    •Sore throat
    •Cough
    •Runny nose
    •Sinus inflammation
    •Belly pain
    •Heartburn
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7-16%)
    •Sore throat (6-8%)
    •Nosebleeds (6-7%)
    •Asthma symptoms (3-7%)

  • Warnings of Singulair vs. Flonase

    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
    •Nasal problems
    •Slowed growth rate in children
    •Eye problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Stress hormone problems (adrenal gland problems)
    •Serious allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Singulair vs. Flonase

    Learn more about Montelukast
    Learn more about Fluticasone nasal spray

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