Medically reviewed by Austin Ulrich, PharmD
Key Takeaways
- Montelukast is the lower-cost generic version of Singulair. It contains the same active ingredients and meets the same FDA standards for safety and effectiveness, often costing significantly less than the brand-name version.
- This medication is an oral pill that is FDA-approved to manage asthma, prevent exercise-induced breathing difficulties, and relieve symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergies (allergic rhinitis). It is not a rescue medication for sudden attacks.
- While effective for breathing issues, this medication carries a serious warning regarding potential mental health side effects, including mood changes and depressive thoughts. Monitoring your mood is essential while on this treatment.
- Prescription discount programs like the Super+ RX coupon can help you save money on montelukast and other prescriptions.
Montelukast Price Comparison
Understanding the cost difference between brand-name medications and their generic counterparts is the first step toward lowering your monthly pharmacy bill. The retail price for prescription treatments can vary wildly depending on the pharmacy you visit and your insurance status.
Super+ RX members often see significant savings by opting for the generic version and using our discount coupon at participating pharmacies.
| Medication Name | Estimated Average Retail Price | Estimated Super+ RX Member Price |
| Montelukast (Generic) | ~$100.00 – $140.00 | ~$9.00 – $25.00 |
| Singulair (Brand) | ~$300.00 – $350.00 | ~$280.00 – $320.00 |
What Is Montelukast?
Montelukast is an oral medication primarily prescribed to help manage asthma and relieve allergy symptoms. It belongs to a class of medicines known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. To understand how it works, it helps to understand what happens in your body during an allergic reaction or asthma flare-up.
When your body encounters a trigger—like pollen, dust mites, or cold air—it releases chemicals called leukotrienes. These chemicals cause the muscles around your airways to tighten and the lining of your nose and airways to become inflamed and swollen. This reaction makes breathing difficult and leads to classic symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and a stuffy or runny nose.
Montelukast works by blocking these leukotrienes. By preventing these chemicals from binding to receptors in your respiratory system, the medication helps keep airways open, reduces inflammation, and prevents the symptoms before they start.
FDA-Approved Uses
A healthcare professional may prescribe this medication for three FDA-approved conditions:
- Asthma Maintenance: It is used for the long-term management of asthma in adults and children. It helps prevent asthma attacks over time, but will not stop an attack that has already started.
- Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB): For people whose airways narrow during physical activity, taking this medication prior to exercise can help prevent shortness of breath.
- Allergic Rhinitis: It effectively treats symptoms of seasonal allergies (hay fever) and perennial allergies (year-round allergies to things like pet dander or dust).
What It Is Not
It is crucial to understand that montelukast is not a steroid. Many asthma maintenance inhalers contain corticosteroids, but this medication works through a different pathway. Because it is non-steroidal, it may be an option for those who cannot tolerate steroids or who need additional control alongside their steroid inhalers.
Additionally, this medication is not a rescue treatment. If you experience a sudden asthma attack, you must use a fast-acting rescue inhaler as directed by your healthcare professional. Montelukast takes time to work and is designed for prevention, not immediate relief.
How to Save on Your Montelukast Prescription
Here are several practical ways you can save money if you need a prescription for montelukast — whether you have insurance or not:
- Use a prescription discount card or coupon like Super+ RX: The Super+ RX coupon uncovers discounts to help lower out-of-pocket costs for montelukast. Whether it’s montelukast or another medication, we want to help you save—because your well-being comes first.
- Check multiple pharmacies — cash prices can vary. Pharmacies in the same area sometimes charge different prices for the same medication. Comparing cash prices among pharmacies can help you find the cheapest option. Search for your prescription on Super.com/rx, compare prices across pharmacies, and find discounts near you.
- Consider asking for the generic form, not the brand-name form. The generic version of montelukast is often much cheaper than the brand-name version, Singluair, and works the same.
What you can do before you go to the pharmacy:
- Use a discount program like the Super+ RX coupon — print it or bring it on your phone — and ask the pharmacist or cashier to apply it to your prescription.
- Compare at least two or three pharmacies on Super.com/rx to see who offers the lowest price.
- If you are uninsured or if you have a high copay, ask your healthcare team about patient-assistance programs or reduced-cost clinics in your area.
Ready to save on montelukast? Compare prices for montelukast at pharmacies near you and start lowering your medication costs.
Dosage and Administration
Taking montelukast correctly is vital for it to be effective. Since it is a maintenance medication, it works best when taken consistently, even if you are feeling well and have no current symptoms. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to a return of asthma symptoms or allergy flare-ups.
Common Dosages
- 10 mg Tablets: The standard dose for adults and adolescents ages 15 and older. These are film-coated tablets swallowed whole.
- 5 mg Chewable Tablets: Typically prescribed for children ages 6 to 14 years.
- 4 mg Chewable Tablets: Typically prescribed for children ages 2 to 5 years.
- 4 mg Oral Granules: Designed for children ages 6 months to 5 years. These can be placed directly on the tongue or mixed with a spoonful of soft food like applesauce, carrots, rice, or ice cream.
When to Take It
For most adults treating asthma or allergic rhinitis, the standard recommendation is to take the tablet once daily in the evening. Studies suggest that asthma symptoms often worsen at night due to natural body rhythms, so taking the medication in the evening ensures peak effectiveness when you need it most.
If you are taking it specifically to prevent breathing problems during exercise, the recommendation is usually to take a dose at least 2 hours before your workout. However, do not take an additional dose if you have already taken your daily maintenance dose. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
Side Effects and Safety Information
Like all medications, montelukast can cause side effects. While many people take it without experiencing significant issues, it is important to be informed so you can recognize any changes in your physical or mental health.
Common Side Effects
These side effects are generally mild and may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. If they persist or become bothersome, discuss them with your healthcare professional.
- Upper respiratory infection (symptoms similar to a cold)
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Stomach pain or diarrhea
- Ear infection or ear pain
- Flu-like symptoms
Serious Warnings: Mental Health Changes
The FDA has issued a Boxed Warning for montelukast regarding serious mental health side effects. While these reactions are rare, they can be severe. This warning applies to patients of all ages.
You and your family members or caregivers should monitor for any changes in behavior or mood. Stop taking the medication and contact a healthcare professional immediately if you experience:
- Agitation or aggression, including hostility
- Anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Disorientation or confusion
- Dream abnormalities, including nightmares
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Memory problems or sleepwalking
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Tremors or shakiness
Because of these risks, healthcare professionals typically prescribe this medication only if you cannot tolerate other treatments or if other treatments have not worked well for you. It is a decision made by balancing the benefits of breathing control against these potential risks.
Allergic Reactions
Though rare, serious allergic reactions can occur. Seek emergency medical help if you notice signs such as hives, blistering or peeling skin, severe itching, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes.
Comparing Singulair vs. Generic Montelukast
A common question we hear at Super+ RX is, “Is the generic really as good as the brand name?”
The short answer is yes.
Bioequivalence: The FDA requires generic medications to be “bioequivalent” to the brand-name version. This means generic montelukast must have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as Singulair. It must work in the body in the same way and in the same amount of time.
Quality Standards: Generic manufacturing plants are subject to the same strict FDA inspections and regulations as the facilities that make brand-name medications. The inactive ingredients (fillers, binders, flavoring) may differ, which can change the shape or taste slightly, but the part of the medicine that treats your asthma or allergies is identical.
The Cost Difference: Brand-name manufacturers spend billions on research, development, and advertising. When a new medication is released, they hold a patent that prevents others from selling it, allowing them to charge higher prices to recoup their investment. Once the patent expires, other companies can produce the generic version without those initial development costs, driving the price down through competition.
For a savvy consumer, choosing the generic is a practical financial decision that does not compromise health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between Singulair and Montelukast?
Singulair is the brand name, while montelukast is the generic name for the same medication. They contain the same active ingredient and treat the same conditions. The primary difference is the price, with the generic version being significantly more affordable.
Can I take Montelukast in the morning instead of at night?
Typically, it’s recommended to take montelukast in the evening, as this aligns with the body’s natural cycle of asthma symptoms, which often worsen overnight. However, if you are taking it only for allergies, the timing may be more flexible. Always follow the specific instructions on your prescription label or consult your pharmacist.
Can I stop taking it if my asthma feels better?
No, you should not stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare professional. Asthma is a chronic condition, meaning it requires long-term management. Montelukast works by preventing inflammation over time. If you stop taking it, the protection fades, and your risk of an asthma attack may increase, even if you feel fine right now.
Does this medication interact with other medicines?
Yes, it can interact with certain medications. For example, medications like phenobarbital or rifampin can affect how your body processes montelukast. While it is generally safe to take with common antihistamines like Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine), you should always provide your pharmacist with a full list of everything you take—including over-the-counter vitamins and supplements—to check for interactions.
Is montelukast a steroid?
No. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It does not contain corticosteroids. This makes it distinct from steroid inhalers, or oral steroids like prednisone.
Can I take this for a sudden asthma attack?
No. Montelukast does not work fast enough to treat an active asthma attack. You must use a rescue inhaler for sudden breathing problems. If your rescue inhaler is not working, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.
Is it safe for older adults?
Montelukast is generally considered safe for older adults (age 65+), and no specific dosage adjustment is usually necessary based on age alone. However, older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, so monitoring for any physical or mood changes is important.
Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication?
There is no specific prohibition against drinking alcohol while taking montelukast. However, alcohol can worsen the side effects of some medications, such as drowsiness or dizziness. If you find the medication makes you feel tired or affects your mood, limiting alcohol is a wise precaution.
Does it treat skin allergies?
While its primary approval is for asthma and respiratory allergies, some healthcare professionals may prescribe it off-label for chronic hives (urticaria) or atopic dermatitis, particularly if antihistamines alone are not working.
Ready to save on montelukast? Compare prices for montelukast at pharmacies near you and start lowering your medication costs.
References
Alkeraye S, AlRuhaimi DK. The Addition of Montelukast for the Treatment of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria. Cureus. 2021;13(7):e16137. doi:10.7759/cureus.16137
Montelukast sodium granule. Prescribing information. Aurobindo Pharma Limited, 2023. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9a3bfc59-0ca6-4433-abf5-41659bfe0a8f/spl-doc
Montelukast tablet, chewable. Prescribing information. Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2026. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/09b0bc9e-3035-45b4-b61b-4aca70848360/spl-doc
Montelukast tablet, film coated. Prescribing information. Legacy Pharmaceutical Packaging, LLC, 2025. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/b7182fd7-c018-401d-ad24-c0a2cc8d1c58/spl-doc
Wermuth HR, Badri T, Takov V. Montelukast. StatPearls. March 22, 2023. Accessed February 17, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459301/
Disclaimer:
Generative AI was used in the development of this content. All information in this article has been reviewed by our highly-trained clinicians. We do not provide medical advice. Please, consult a physician.
