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Compare Singular vs. Symbicort

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

Key takeaways

Montelukast (Singulair) and Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) are both used to manage asthma, but they work in different ways and have distinct uses. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist taken orally, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling by blocking leukotrienes. It's also used for treating year-round and seasonal allergies and preventing exercise-induced asthma. Symbicort, on the other hand, is an inhaler that combines a corticosteroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol) to reduce lung inflammation and relax airway muscles. Symbicort is used for both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Montelukast is typically taken once daily, while Symbicort is used twice daily. Montelukast is available in generic form and is suitable for children as young as 1 year old, whereas Symbicort is available in two strengths and is safe for children 6 years and older for asthma. Montelukast can cause serious mental health side effects, while Symbicort may lead to oral thrush and bone loss with long-term use.

  • Montelukast (Singular)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Montelukast (Singular)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Singular vs. Symbicort

    Summary for Leukotriene receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Montelukast, the generic for Singulair, is used to help control asthma over time and prevent breathing problems during exercise in both adults and children. It's also used to help relieve allergy symptoms. Montelukast (Singular) comes as tablets, chewable tablets, or oral granules and is usually taken by mouth once a day. Common side effects include upper respiratory infection and headache, and it has a boxed warning for serious mood and behavior changes.

    Summary for Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It contains two medications: budesonide, a steroid, and formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Both medications work together to reduce inflammation in the lungs and open up your airways. The typical dose is two puffs by mouth twice a day, usually about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, headache, and sore throat.

  • Indications of Singular vs. Symbicort

    Indications for
    •Long-term treatment of asthma - age 12 months and older
    •Prevent breathing problems during exercise - age 6 years and older
    •Relieve seasonal allergy symptoms - age 2 years and older
    •Relieve year-round allergy symptoms - age 6 months and older
    Indications for
    •Asthma - in adults and children 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Singular vs. Symbicort

    Pros and Const for Leukotriene receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Helps prevent asthma symptoms and allergies
    •Available in child‑friendly forms (chewable tablets, oral granules)
    Cons
    •Not for treating sudden asthma attacks
    •Might cause serious mood or behavior changes
    •Not always a first‑choice option for allergies
    Pros and Const for Inhaled corticosteroid / LABA
    Pros
    •Long-term treatment for both COPD and asthma
    •Might feel relief in as soon as 15 minutes for asthma
    •Safe for children 6 years and older for asthma
    •Combines two medications into one inhaler for convenience
    Cons
    •Won't work well for asthma attacks or COPD flare ups
    •Can cause thrush in mouth or throat as a side effect
    •Taken 2 times a day
    •Possible bone loss if used for a long time

  • Common Side Effects of Singular vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection
    •Fever
    •Headache
    •Sore throat
    •Cough
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea
    •Earache or ear infection
    •Flu
    •Runny nose
    •Sinus infection
    Common Side Effects for

    Asthma:

    •Common cold symptoms (10-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Sinus infection (5-6%)

    COPD:

    •Common cold symptoms (7%)
    •Oral thrush (6%)
    •Bronchitis (5%)

  • Warnings of Singular vs. Symbicort

    Common Side Effects for
    •Mood or behavior changes
    •Not for asthma attacks
    •High white blood cell counts
    •Chewable tablets not for people with phenylketonuria (PKU)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Oral thrush
    •Pneumonia
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Sudden narrowing of the airways
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Heart and nervous system problems
    •Risk of bone loss
    •Poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar

  • Prices with our coupons for Singular vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Montelukast
    Learn more about Symbicort

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