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Compare Singulair 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 (Singulair)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)
  • Montelukast (Singulair)
    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol)

  • Summary of Singulair vs. Symbicort

    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 IC / LABA
    Prescription only

    Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is a combination inhaler containing a steroid (budesonide) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol). Both medications work together to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The typical dose for Symbicort (budesonide / formoterol) is 2 inhalations by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include symptoms of common cold, such as stuffy nose and cough. It's available in two different strengths, both with generic versions.

  • Indications of Singulair vs. Symbicort

    Indications for
    •Seasonal allergies
    •Year-round allergies
    •Asthma
    •Exercise-induced asthma
    Indications for
    •Asthma
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Pros and Cons of Singulair vs. Symbicort

    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 IC / 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 long term

  • Common Side Effects of Singulair vs. Symbicort

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

    Asthma

    •Common cold (sore throat, headache, cough; 10-11%)
    •Headache (7-11%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (sneezing, throat pain; 8-11%)
    •Sore throat (6-9%)
    •Stuffy nose (5-6%)

    COPD

    •Common cold (7%)
    •Thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat; 6%)
    •Bronchitis (inflammation of the airways; 5%)

  • Warnings of Singulair vs. Symbicort

    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
    •Risk of worsening of asthma or COPD
    •Overdose
    •Fungal infection in the mouth (oral thrush)
    •Higher risk of infection
    •Switching from oral to inhaled steroids
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Heart problems
    •Risk of bone loss and poor growth
    •Eye problems
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Low potassium and high blood sugar levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Singulair vs. Symbicort

    Learn more about Montelukast
    Learn more about Symbicort

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