Montelukast vs Diclofenac: side-by-side comparison
Montelukast (Leukotriene receptor antagonist) and Diclofenac (NSAID (phenylacetic acid)) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Montelukast | Diclofenac |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Leukotriene receptor antagonist | NSAID (phenylacetic acid) |
| CAS | 158966-92-8 | 15307-86-5 |
| ATC | R03DC03 | M01AB05 |
| Molecular weight | 586.18 g/mol | 296.15 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Montelukast and Diclofenac share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Montelukast acts by a different mechanism than Diclofenac, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Montelukast: Montelukast selectively blocks the CysLT1 receptor, which mediates the action of leukotrienes C4, D4 and E4 — proinflammatory mediators released by mast cells and eosinophils in the airway. Diclofenac: Diclofenac reversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, with somewhat greater selectivity for COX-2 than ibuprofen and naproxen.
Indications compared
Montelukast: Montelukast is approved in adults and children for the maintenance treatment of asthma, including exercise-induced bronchospasm, and for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis when conventional therapy… Diclofenac: Diclofenac is approved in adults for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical pain, primary dysmenorrhoea, acute migraine and ureteric colic…
Safety profile
Montelukast: Common adverse effects include headache, gastrointestinal symptoms and upper respiratory tract infection. Diclofenac: Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness and elevated liver enzymes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montelukast better than Diclofenac? ▾
Montelukast and Diclofenac are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Montelukast and Diclofenac be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Montelukast
Products with Diclofenac
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.