Not all asthma medications work the same way, and understanding the difference between Singulair vs Symbicort could meaningfully change how well a treatment plan performs.
While one is a daily oral tablet, the other is an inhaled combination therapy, and those distinctions carry implications for dosing, side effects, and long-term costs.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma affects more than 28 million people, which is 8 in 100 individuals, yet many patients report never fully understanding the medications they’re prescribed.
This guide is designed to close that gap.
What follows is a thorough comparison of both drugs, covering mechanism, dosage, common and serious side effects, and real-world cost differences, so you can walk into your next appointment better prepared.
What Is Singulair?
Singulair (montelukast) is an oral medication prescribed to manage asthma, seasonal and year-round allergies, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
It works by blocking leukotrienes, natural substances in the body that cause airway inflammation and narrowing. By reducing the effects of leukotrienes, Singulair keeps the airways open and relieves symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching.
Singulair is typically prescribed for adults and children over 12, though some healthcare providers may give it to younger children or infants.
It is important to note that Singulair is not a rescue medication. It should not be used during sudden asthma attacks or acute breathing episodes.
What Is Symbicort?
Symbicort is an inhaled combination medication used to control and prevent bronchospasm in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
It combines two active ingredients, budesonide, a corticosteroid that reduces lung inflammation, and formoterol, a long-acting bronchodilator for relaxing the muscles around the airways.
Together, these two prevent wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Symbicort is prescribed for adults and children at least 6 years old.
Are Symbicort and Singulair the Same Thing?
When weighing Symbicort and Singulair, it is easy to assume they are interchangeable since both treat asthma, but they are not. Each medication works through a distinct mechanism, belongs to a different drug class, and serves a different clinical purpose.
Montelukast vs Symbicort boils down to this:
- Singulair is a single-ingredient leukotriene receptor antagonist that stops the chain reaction leading to inflammation.
- Symbicort is a two-ingredient inhaled combination for reducing existing inflammation while also relaxing the airway muscles.
When comparing Symbicort vs Singulair, neither can substitute for the other, and only your healthcare provider can determine which is appropriate for your condition.
Can You Take Montelukast and Symbicort Together?
A common question patients have is, “Can I take montelukast and Symbicort together? In some cases, yes. Healthcare providers do prescribe both medications simultaneously, particularly for patients with asthma and overlapping allergy symptoms.
Since they work through different mechanisms, they are not duplicates of each other. However, this is always a clinical decision. Never add, combine, or adjust either medication on your own.
Singulair vs Symbicort: How to Take Each One?
Taking Singulair
Singulair comes as tablets, chewable tablets, or granules, which can be taken orally once daily, ideally at the same time.
- Adults and those 15 and older: 10 mg tablet once daily
- Ages 6–14: 5 mg chewable tablet once daily
- Ages 2–5: 4 mg chewable tablet or one sachet of granules once daily
- Ages 12–23 months: One sachet of granules once daily
Granules can be mixed with food or liquid, which is especially helpful for young children.
Taking Symbicort
Symbicort is taken as an inhaler, 4 puffs per day total, with 2 puffs in the morning and 2 in the evening, approximately 12 hours apart. If a dose is missed, skip it and resume at the next scheduled time.
After each use, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out. This step prevents oral and throat infections that can develop from inhaled steroids.
Singulair vs Symbicort: Side Effects
Both medications share some overlapping side effects, but each has its own distinct profile.
Common side effects of Singulair include: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, fever, heartburn, skin rash, mood changes, tiredness, tooth pain, and tremors.
Common side effects of Symbicort include: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, stuffy nose, vomiting, back pain, muscle or joint pain, throat irritation, and changes in voice.
If any side effects feel severe or persistent, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Singulair vs Symbicort: Drug Interactions
Understanding drug interactions is an important part of comparing Singulair vs. Symbicort.
Singulair may interact with phenobarbital or rifampin, whereas Symbicort is affected by antibiotics, antifungal medications, MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, beta-blockers, or diuretics.
Always inform your healthcare provider about every medication you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. This also applies if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the effects of both medications in those situations require professional evaluation.
Cost of Singulair vs Symbicort
Cost is a practical concern for many patients. Here is a general breakdown for cash-paying customers without insurance:
- Singulair oral granules: Approximately $290.57 for a 30-unit supply
- Singulair 10 mg tablet: Approximately $290.57 for a 30-tablet supply
- Singulair 4 mg chewable tablet: Approximately $290.57 for a 30-tablet supply
- Symbicort inhalation aerosol (160/4.5 mcg): Between $300.00 and $350.00 for a 6-gram supply
Prices may vary by pharmacy, location, dosage strength, and available discounts. Insurance coverage and copays can also affect the final out-of-pocket cost.
Get Help Affording Singulair or Symbicort
Choosing between Singulair and Symbicort is only one part of managing asthma or allergy symptoms. Consistently taking your prescribed medication is equally important, but that can become difficult when high out-of-pocket costs lead to skipped doses, delayed refills, or treatment interruptions.
Finding an affordable way to stay in therapy can support better long-term symptom control, and that’s where Prescription Hope can help you.
We work directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers to help you access their prescribed medications at reduced costs. Whether you are prescribed Singulair, Symbicort, or another medication, the enrollment process is straightforward.
Our team advocates for every patient, exploring patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, discount cards, and other savings options when standard programs are unavailable.
Visit our enrollment page, create an account, and let Prescription Hope help make your medication affordable.
