ProAir vs. Singulair
See how ProAir and Singulair compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
ProAir is a rescue inhaler that relieves sudden asthma symptoms within minutes, while Singulair is a once-daily pill used to prevent asthma and allergy symptoms over time.
Singulair carries a boxed warning for serious neuropsychiatric effects, including suicidal thoughts and behavior, that ProAir does not carry.
ProAir works fast for an active asthma attack but is often paired with a daily controller like Singulair for long-term asthma management.
ProAir vs. Singulair Drug Summary
ProAir
ProAir (albuterol sulfate) is a short-acting beta2-agonist inhaler used to treat or prevent sudden bronchospasm from asthma or other reversible airway disease. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in patients age 4 and older. It is taken as needed by inhaling directly into the lungs for relief within minutes.
Singulair
Singulair (montelukast sodium) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist taken as a daily tablet to help prevent and control chronic asthma symptoms. It also treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and helps prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Unlike ProAir, it is not used to treat an acute asthma attack.
ProAir vs. Singulair Side Effects
ProAir
Singulair
ProAir vs. Singulair Dosage
ProAir
Singulair
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 4 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
ProAir
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 2 inhalations pre-exercise | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Singulair
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 4 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
ProAir vs. Singulair Indications
ProAir
ProAir is approved for patients age 4 and older to treat or prevent bronchospasm caused by asthma or other reversible airway conditions. It also prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm when used shortly before activity. It works as a rescue medication for immediate relief, not as a long-term controller.
Treats and prevents bronchospasm in reversible airway disease
Prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm
Approved for ages 4 and older
Fast-acting relief within minutes
Singulair
Singulair is approved for chronic asthma prevention and control, as well as for preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It also relieves symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis. It is taken once daily and is not intended for treating an acute asthma attack.
Long-term asthma prevention and control
Prevents exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Relieves seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms
Relieves perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms
ProAir vs. Singulair Pros and Cons
ProAir
ProAir provides rapid relief for acute bronchospasm and is widely available as a lower-cost generic inhaler. It requires correct inhaler technique and is meant for as-needed rescue use, not daily control.
Pros
Relieves symptoms within minutes
Simple as-needed dosing, no daily schedule
Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
Not intended for daily asthma control
Can cause tachycardia and other cardiovascular effects
Overuse may mask worsening asthma
Singulair
Singulair offers the convenience of a once-daily oral tablet and doubles as a treatment for allergic rhinitis. It carries a boxed warning for neuropsychiatric side effects and costs substantially more than a generic rescue inhaler.
Pros
Once-daily oral dosing, no inhaler technique needed
Also treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis
Provides ongoing asthma prevention, not just rescue relief
Cons
Boxed warning for serious neuropsychiatric events, including suicidal thoughts
Not effective for treating an acute asthma attack
Chewable tablets contain phenylalanine, a caution for PKU
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