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Compare Xopenex vs. Singulair

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

  • Summary of Xopenex vs. Singulair

    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 (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.

  • Indications of Xopenex vs. Singulair

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

  • Pros and Cons of Xopenex vs. Singulair

    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
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Xopenex vs. Singulair

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

  • Warnings of Xopenex vs. Singulair

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Heart problems
    •Allergic reactions
    •Low potassium in the blood
    •Only take as directed
    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health disturbances
    •Not for asthma attacks
    •High white blood cell counts
    •Chewable tablets not for people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • Prices with our coupons for Xopenex vs. Singulair

    Learn more about Levalbuterol
    Learn more about Montelukast

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