Singulair vs. Flovent
See how Singulair and Flovent compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Singulair is a once-daily pill that blocks leukotrienes, while Flovent is a twice-daily inhaled steroid that reduces inflammation directly in the lungs.
Singulair also treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, while Flovent is approved only for asthma maintenance.
Singulair carries a boxed warning for neuropsychiatric side effects; Flovent's main long-term risks involve local and systemic steroid effects like thrush and reduced bone density.
Singulair vs. Flovent Drug Summary
Singulair
Singulair (montelukast) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks inflammatory chemicals involved in asthma and allergies. It comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, or oral granules taken once daily by mouth. It is also approved for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and allergic rhinitis, not just asthma.
Flovent
Flovent (fluticasone propionate) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for ongoing maintenance treatment of asthma. It is delivered through a metered-dose inhaler or Diskus twice daily and works by reducing inflammation directly in the airways. Brand-name Flovent was discontinued in 2024 and replaced by authorized generic fluticasone propionate inhalers.
Singulair vs. Flovent Side Effects
Singulair
Flovent
Singulair vs. Flovent Dosage
Singulair
Flovent
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 880 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
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 |
Flovent
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 88 mcg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 880 mcg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Singulair vs. Flovent Indications
Singulair
Singulair is FDA-approved for long-term asthma control, prevention of exercise-triggered breathing problems, and relief of seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms. It is not meant to treat a sudden asthma attack. Its broad approval across both asthma and allergic rhinitis makes it useful for patients managing both conditions with one medication.
Long-term asthma prophylaxis and control
Prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptom relief
Flovent
Flovent is FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients four years and older, including those who need oral corticosteroids. It is not a rescue medication and will not stop an asthma attack already underway. Because it works directly in the lungs, it is often used as a first-line controller therapy for persistent asthma.
Maintenance asthma treatment ages 4+
Asthma in patients needing oral steroids
Add-on option for persistent asthma symptoms
Singulair vs. Flovent Pros and Cons
Singulair
Singulair offers a needle-free, once-daily pill that also addresses allergic rhinitis symptoms, making it convenient for patients with overlapping conditions. It carries a boxed warning for serious mood and behavior changes, which some patients and caregivers weigh carefully against its convenience. Insurance coverage and cost vary widely since it is not preferred by all plans.
Pros
Oral tablet, no inhaler technique needed
Also treats seasonal and perennial allergies
Chewable and granule forms for children
No local steroid side effects like thrush
Cons
Boxed warning for neuropsychiatric side effects
Less effective than inhaled steroids for severe asthma
Roughly $289 to $375 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Not for acute asthma attack relief
Flovent
Flovent works directly in the airways to reduce the underlying inflammation that drives asthma, an approach many guidelines consider central to long-term control. It requires correct inhaler technique twice daily and carries the local and systemic risks common to inhaled steroids. Brand-name Flovent is no longer sold, so patients now use authorized generic versions.
Pros
Direct anti-inflammatory action in the lungs
Multiple dose strengths for precise titration
Roughly $50 to $150 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Decades of established use in asthma control
Cons
Requires correct inhaler technique twice daily
Risk of oral thrush and throat irritation
Long-term risk of reduced bone density and growth suppression
Brand-name version discontinued, generic only
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