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Compare Xopenex vs. Singular

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

Key takeaways

Xopenex (levalbuterol) and Singulair (montelukast) are both used to help with breathing problems, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Xopenex is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA) inhaled through a nebulizer to quickly relieve sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with asthma. It starts working within minutes and is used three times a day. On the other hand, Singulair is a leukotriene receptor antagonist taken orally to manage long-term asthma and allergies. It is not for sudden asthma attacks and is usually taken once daily, often in the evening. Both Xopenex and Singulair are available as a lower-cost generic. Xopenex can cause side effects like headache and runny nose, while Singulair might cause mental health disturbances and common cold symptoms.

  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Montelukast (Singular)
  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution
    Montelukast (Singular)

  • Summary of Xopenex vs. Singular

    Summary for SABA
    Prescription only

    Levalbuterol inhalation solution (also known by its brand name, Xopenex) is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's used to treat and prevent sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in people with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. This medication is for adults and children ages 6 years and older. Levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalation solution is inhaled through the mouth with a nebulizer machine. Side effects of this medication include headache, sore throat, and runny nose. It's available as a lower-cost generic.

    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.

  • Indications of Xopenex vs. Singular

    Indications for
    •Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 6 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Xopenex vs. Singular

    Pros and Const for SABA
    Pros
    •Works well for relieving wheezing or shortness of breath
    •Quickly opens up the airways
    •Can use for children as young as 6 years old
    Cons
    •Takes about 5 to 15 minutes to take the whole dose
    •Need to use with a nebulizer machine, which isn't ideal for someone who is traveling
    •Need to inhale 3 times daily, so not a long-acting medication
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Xopenex vs. Singular

    Common Side Effects for

    Ages 12 years and older:

    •Viral infection (7-12%)
    •Runny nose (3-11%)
    •Nervousness (3-10%)

    Ages 6 to 11 years:

    •Headache (8-12%)
    •Runny nose (6-10%)
    •Sore throat (3-10%)
    •Asthma (6-9%)
    •Viral infection (8-9%)
    •Rash (up to 8%)
    •Diarrhea (2-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory infection
    •Fever
    •Headache
    •Sore throat
    •Cough
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea
    •Earache or ear infection
    •Flu
    •Runny nose
    •Sinus infection

  • Warnings of Xopenex vs. Singular

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Only take as directed
    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)

  • Prices with our coupons for Xopenex vs. Singular

    Learn more about Levalbuterol
    Learn more about Montelukast

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