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Compare Singulair vs. Xyzal Allergy

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

Key takeaways

Montelukast (Singulair) and levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) are both used to treat allergy symptoms, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that helps manage asthma and prevent exercise-induced asthma, in addition to treating seasonal and year-round allergies. It is available only by prescription and comes in various forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and granules. Levocetirizine, on the other hand, is an antihistamine that blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and comes as tablets and a liquid. Both medications are usually taken once daily in the evening. Montelukast does not cause drowsiness, whereas levocetirizine can make you sleepy. Additionally, montelukast has a risk of serious mental health side effects, while levocetirizine's main risk is a potential accidental overdose, especially if taken with other antihistamines.

  • Montelukast (Singulair)
    Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy)
  • Montelukast (Singulair)
    Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy)

  • Summary of Singulair vs. Xyzal Allergy

    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 Antihistamine

    Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is an antihistamine. It's used to relieve allergy symptoms and chronic hives in adults and children. Levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) is available both over the counter and by prescription, and comes as a tablet and a liquid. Your dosage can depend on your age. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some side effects of levocetirizine (Xyzal Allergy) include drowsiness and the common cold-like symptoms.

  • Indications of Singulair vs. Xyzal Allergy

    Indications for
    •Seasonal allergies
    •Year-round allergies
    •Asthma
    •Exercise-induced asthma
    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat)
    •Relief of itchiness due to chronic (long-term) hives - by prescription only

  • Pros and Cons of Singulair vs. Xyzal Allergy

    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 Antihistamine
    Pros
    •First-choice option for relieving allergy symptoms
    •Taken by mouth once per day
    •Liquids are fruit-flavored for better taste
    •Safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    Cons
    •Might make you sleepier compared to loratadine (Claritin) or fexofenadine (Allegra)
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems because of higher risk of side effects
    •Tablets can't be used in children younger than 6 years

  • Common Side Effects of Singulair vs. Xyzal Allergy

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

    People 12 years and older:

    •Sleepiness (up to 6%)
    •Cold-like symptoms (up to 6%)
    •Fatigue (up to 4%)

    Children under 12 years old:

    •Fever (4%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 4%)
    •Vomiting (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Singulair vs. Xyzal Allergy

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidentally taking too much medication

  • Prices with our coupons for Singulair vs. Xyzal Allergy

    Learn more about Montelukast
    Learn more about Levocetirizine

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