Is Singulair an Antihistamine?
Key Takeaways
- Singulair is not an antihistamine and works differently from common allergy medications like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra.
- Singulair contains montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist that targets inflammation in the airways.
- It is used for asthma attacks, asthma symptoms, and allergic rhinitis, including seasonal allergic rhinitis.
- Singulair carries an FDA black box warning related to mental health side effects, including suicidal thoughts.
- A healthcare provider can help decide whether Singulair or an antihistamine is more appropriate for your symptoms.
What Is Singulair?
Singulair is the brand name for montelukast, a prescription drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of asthma and certain allergy symptoms. It is available as tablets, chewable tablets, and oral granules for different age groups.
Singulair is commonly prescribed to help prevent asthma attacks, improve asthma symptoms, and relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It is not available over the counter and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Is Singulair an Antihistamine?
No, Singulair is not an antihistamine.
Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Singulair works through a completely different mechanism. It does not block histamine and does not function like antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine.
How Singulair Works
Singulair is classified as a leukotriene receptor antagonist. Leukotrienes are inflammatory chemicals released in response to allergens. They contribute to bronchoconstriction, airway swelling, mucus production, and inflammation in the airways.
By blocking leukotriene receptors, montelukast helps:
- Reduce inflammation in the airways
- Prevent bronchoconstriction
- Improve asthma symptoms
- Decrease allergy-related nasal symptoms
This mechanism makes Singulair particularly useful for the treatment of asthma and allergy-related breathing problems rather than immediate allergy relief.
How Antihistamines Work
Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, which is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen.
Common antihistamines include:
These allergy medications are often used for sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives, and other common allergy symptoms. Many antihistamines are available over the counter and act quickly to relieve symptoms.
Unlike Singulair, antihistamines do not significantly affect airway inflammation or bronchoconstriction.
Singulair vs Antihistamines for Allergies
Singulair and antihistamines are sometimes used for similar conditions, but they are not interchangeable.
Singulair may be helpful for:
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Allergy symptoms associated with asthma
- Nasal congestion related to inflammation
Antihistamines are usually preferred for:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itching
- Hives
In some cases, healthcare professionals may recommend using Singulair alongside antihistamines, especially in people who have both asthma and seasonal allergies.
Singulair for Asthma Treatment
Singulair is commonly used in the treatment of asthma, particularly for:
- Preventing asthma attacks
- Reducing nighttime asthma symptoms
- Managing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
It helps keep airways open by reducing inflammation rather than acting as a quick-relief medication. Singulair is not a rescue medication and should not be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.
Common Side Effects of Singulair
Like all prescription drugs, Singulair can cause side effects.
Common side effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Upper respiratory symptoms
- Fever in children
These side effects are generally mild and may improve over time.
Serious Side Effects and Black Box Warning
Singulair carries an FDA black box warning due to serious mental health side effects. These can occur in both adults and children.
Serious side effects may include:
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Agitation
- Trouble sleeping
- Vivid dreams
- Mood changes
Because of these risks, the FDA recommends that Singulair be reserved for people who do not respond adequately to other allergy medications, particularly for allergic rhinitis.
Seek medical advice immediately if mental health symptoms occur.
Allergic Reactions and Skin Effects
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to Singulair can occur.
Symptoms may include:
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
Any signs of an allergic reaction require immediate medical attention.
Drug Interactions to Know About
Singulair may interact with certain medications, including:
- Rifampin
- Phenobarbital
These drugs can reduce montelukast levels in the body and affect how well Singulair works. Always tell your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements you use.
Singulair Compared to Steroids
Singulair is not a steroid. It does not contain corticosteroids and does not replace inhaled steroids used in asthma management.
Inhaled steroids reduce inflammation directly in the airways and are often used as first-line therapy for asthma. Singulair may be added when symptoms are not fully controlled.
Who Might Benefit From Singulair
Singulair may be considered for:
- People with asthma symptoms triggered by allergens
- Individuals with both asthma and allergic rhinitis
- Patients who cannot tolerate antihistamines due to drowsiness
- Children who need non-steroid asthma control options
A healthcare professional can determine whether Singulair is appropriate based on symptom severity and medical history.
When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider
Talk to a healthcare provider if:
- Allergy symptoms are not controlled with over-the-counter medications
- Asthma attacks are frequent or worsening
- Mental health symptoms appear while taking Singulair
- You are unsure whether Singulair or an antihistamine is better for you
Medical advice is especially important when considering Singulair for allergy treatment alone.
Bottom Line
Singulair is not an antihistamine. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that works by reducing inflammation and bronchoconstriction in the airways. While it can help with allergy symptoms and asthma, it works differently from antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra. Because of its potential mental health side effects, Singulair should be used thoughtfully and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
FAQs
Is Singulair an antihistamine?
No, Singulair is not an antihistamine and does not block histamine. Instead, it works by blocking leukotrienes, which are inflammatory chemicals that affect the airways and contribute to asthma symptoms and allergic rhinitis.
Can Singulair replace antihistamines?
Singulair generally does not replace antihistamines for typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, or hives. Antihistamines are usually more effective for those symptoms, while Singulair may be added when asthma or airway inflammation is also present.
Is Singulair safe for seasonal allergies?
Singulair is approved for seasonal allergic rhinitis, but it is often not the first treatment choice due to its mental health risks. Healthcare providers typically recommend trying other allergy medications first, especially when symptoms are mild.
Does Singulair cause drowsiness?
Drowsiness is not a common side effect of Singulair, unlike some older antihistamines. However, it can cause sleep-related issues such as vivid dreams or trouble sleeping in some people, which should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Sources
- FDA – Singulair (montelukast) Prescribing Information
- MedlinePlus – Montelukast
- National Institutes of Health – Leukotriene Modifiers and Asthma