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

Most common
headache (3%)
pharyngitis (3%)
tachycardia (3%)
pain (3%)

Singulair

Most common
headache (5%)
pharyngitis (5%)
upper respiratory infection (5%)
fever (5%)

ProAir vs. Singulair Dosage

ProAir

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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