Singulair vs Symbicort: side-by-side comparison
Singulair (Montelukast) and Symbicort (Budesonide, Formoterol) both belong to the Respiratory Medications class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Singulair | Symbicort |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Montelukast | Budesonide, Formoterol |
| Manufacturer | Organon | AstraZeneca |
| Class | Respiratory Medications | Respiratory Medications |
| Strengths | 4mg, 5mg, 10mg | 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg |
| Forms | tablet, chewable tablet, oral granules | dry powder inhaler, metered-dose inhaler |
What's the same
Singulair and Symbicort both belong to the Respiratory Medications class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Montelukast vs Budesonide, Formoterol — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Montelukast vs Budesonide, Formoterol), strengths (4mg, 5mg, 10mg vs 80/4.5 mcg, 160/4.5 mcg, 200/6 mcg, 400/12 mcg), forms (tablet, chewable tablet, oral granules vs dry powder inhaler, metered-dose inhaler), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Singulair: Montelukast selectively blocks the CysLT1 receptor, which mediates the action of leukotrienes C4, D4 and E4 — proinflammatory mediators released by mast cells and eosinophils. Symbicort: Budesonide reduces chronic airway inflammation through glucocorticoid receptor activation, decreasing inflammatory cell recruitment and cytokine release.
When Singulair is preferred
Singulair 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 is insufficient or not tolerated.
When Symbicort is preferred
Symbicort is approved in adults and adolescents from age 12 (younger in some markets) for the regular treatment of asthma when combination therapy of a long-acting beta-2 agonist and an inhaled corticosteroid is appropriate, and in some markets for symptom relief in COPD.
Frequently asked questions
Is Singulair or Symbicort better? ▾
There is no single answer. Singulair and Symbicort both belong to the Respiratory Medications class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Singulair to Symbicort? ▾
Switching within the Respiratory Medications class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Singulair and Symbicort have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Respiratory Medications class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Singulair comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.