Montair vs. Alternatives: Quick Comparison Tool
Comparison Details
Quick Summary
When you pick a daily asthma pill, Montair is a brand of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist that helps keep airways open. It’s popular because you just swallow a tablet once a day, no inhaler tricks needed. But you might wonder if there’s a cheaper brand, a stronger inhaled spray, or a newer biologic that works better for you. This guide lines up Montair side‑by‑side with the most common alternatives, so you can see where each one shines or falls short.
What Montair (Montelukast) Actually Does
Montair contains the active ingredient Montelukast, which blocks leukotrienes - inflammatory chemicals that cause bronchoconstriction and swelling in the lungs. By binding to leukotriene receptors, it reduces asthma attacks and eases allergic rhinitis. It’s taken orally, usually 10mg for adults and 4mg for kids over 6months. Because it works systemically, you don’t need a spacer or timed inhalations, making it a handy option for children or anyone who struggles with inhaler technique.
Key Alternatives on the Market
- Singulair - another brand of montelukast, often cheaper in bulk.
- Fluticasone propionate - an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) delivered via a metered‑dose inhaler.
- Budesonide - an ICS that comes as a dry‑powder inhaler or nebuliser solution.
- Zafirlukast - a different leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) taken twice daily.
- Zileuton - a 5‑lipoxygenase inhibitor that blocks leukotriene production upstream.
- Omalizumab - an anti‑IgE monoclonal antibody given as a subcutaneous injection every 2‑4 weeks for moderate‑to‑severe allergic asthma.
Side‑Effect Profiles at a Glance
Every drug has trade‑offs. Montair’s most common complaints are mild headache, stomach upset, and occasional mood changes. Singulair shares the same profile because it’s the same molecule. Inhaled steroids like fluticasone and budesonide can cause oral thrush, hoarse voice, and, rarely, bone density loss with long‑term high doses. Zafirlukast may trigger liver enzyme elevations, so doctors often order blood tests. Zileuton is notorious for liver toxicity and requires regular monitoring. Omalizumab’s side effects include injection site reactions and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis - a reason it’s reserved for patients who haven’t responded to other options.
Cost Considerations (Australian Perspective)
Price matters, especially if you’re paying out‑of‑pocket. As of October2025, a 30‑day supply of Montair runs about AU$30-$40, depending on pharmacy. Singulair’s generic version can drop to AU$20‑$25. Inhaled steroids vary: a pack of fluticasone inhalers costs roughly AU$45, while budesonide is around AU$38. Zafirlukast tablets are pricier, about AU$55 for a month’s supply, and Zileuton sits near AU$70. Omalizumab is a big ticket - each injection can be AU$800‑$1,000, though Medicare rebates often offset a portion for eligible patients.
When to Choose Montair Over the Rest
- Simplicity: If you dislike inhalers or have kids who can’t master the technique, a once‑daily tablet beats an inhaler.
- Mild‑to‑moderate asthma: Montair works well for step‑2 or step‑3 maintenance in the Australian asthma guidelines.
- Allergic rhinitis combo: It tackles both asthma and hay‑fever, so you don’t need extra antihistamines.
- Cost‑effectiveness: The generic version (Singulair) offers a low‑price entry point for most patients.
When Alternatives Might Beat Montair
If you have frequent nighttime attacks, an inhaled corticosteroid often provides stronger anti‑inflammatory control. For patients with liver concerns, avoid Zileuton and Zafirlukast. Those with severe allergic asthma may need biologics like Omalizumab, which can cut exacerbations by up to 50% in clinical trials. Lastly, if you experience mood swings on Montair, switching to an inhaled steroid or a different LTRA can help.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Drug | Class | Mechanism | Typical Dose | Frequency | Common Side Effects | Approx. Monthly Cost (AU$) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montair | LTRA | Leukotriene receptor blockade | 10mg (adult) | Once daily | Headache, nausea, mood changes | 30‑40 | Simple oral regimen, mild‑moderate asthma |
| Singulair (generic) | LTRA | Leukotriene receptor blockade | 10mg (adult) | Once daily | Same as Montair | 20‑25 | Cost‑conscious patients |
| Fluticasone propionate | Inhaled corticosteroid | Anti‑inflammatory via glucocorticoid receptor | 100‑250µg per actuation | Twice daily | Oral thrush, hoarseness | 45 | Patients needing stronger airway inflammation control |
| Budesonide | Inhaled corticosteroid | Glucocorticoid‑mediated anti‑inflammation | 200‑400µg per inhalation | Twice daily | Thrush, cough, rare adrenal suppression | 38 | Patients preferring dry‑powder inhaler |
| Zafirlukast | LTRA | Leukotriene receptor blockade | 20mg | Twice daily | Liver enzyme elevation, headache | 55 | Patients intolerant to montelukast but still need LTRA |
| Zileuton | 5‑Lipoxygenase inhibitor | Blocks leukotriene synthesis | 600mg | Four times daily | Liver toxicity, nausea | 70 | Severe leukotriene‑driven asthma when LTRAs fail |
| Omalizumab | Anti‑IgE biologic | Neutralises circulating IgE | 150‑600mg (dose based on weight/IgE) | Every 2‑4 weeks (subcutaneous) | Injection site reaction, rare anaphylaxis | 800‑1,000 | Moderate‑to‑severe allergic asthma uncontrolled by meds |
Quick Decision Checklist
- Do you struggle with inhaler technique? → Choose Montair or Singulair.
- Is cost your biggest barrier? → Generic Singulair or budesonide inhaler.
- Do you have frequent nighttime symptoms? → Switch to an inhaled corticosteroid.
- Any liver issues? → Avoid Zafirlukast and Zileuton.
- Severe allergic asthma despite meds? → Talk to your doctor about Omalizumab.
How to Switch Safely
- Talk to your GP or respiratory specialist - they’ll assess control level and any comorbidities.
- Get a clear taper plan if moving from inhaled steroids to Montair; abrupt stops can cause rebound inflammation.
- Schedule liver function tests if starting Zafirlukast or Zileuton.
- Monitor symptoms for 2-4 weeks after any change; keep a diary of peak flow, night awakenings, and side‑effects.
- Update your Medicare or private health plan about any new injectable therapy like Omalizumab to secure rebates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Montair and an inhaled steroid together?
Yes, many doctors prescribe Montair as add‑on therapy to an inhaled corticosteroid when asthma control is still sub‑optimal. The combo can lower the dose of steroids needed, reducing side‑effects.
Is Montair safe for children?
Montair is approved for children as young as 6months (4mg dose). It’s often the first‑line oral option because it avoids the coordination required for inhalers.
Why might I feel moody on Montair?
A small but real subset of patients report agitation, anxiety, or depression on montelukast. If mood changes are noticeable, discuss switching to an inhaled steroid or another LTRA with your doctor.
How does Omalizumab differ from Montair?
Omalizumab targets the root cause - IgE antibodies - and is given by injection every few weeks. Montair works downstream by blocking leukotrienes. Omalizumab is reserved for severe allergic asthma that doesn’t improve with pills or inhalers.
Do I need liver tests for Zileuton?
Yes. Baseline liver enzymes are checked before starting, then every month for the first three months, and periodically thereafter. This monitoring is crucial because Zileuton can cause serious hepatic injury.
Carlise Pretorius
October 11, 2025 AT 12:22Montair is real nice option for kids who cant use inhalers
Johnson Elijah
October 19, 2025 AT 22:02Totally agree! 🎉 The once‑daily tablet is a game‑changer for busy families 😊
Roxanne Lemire
October 28, 2025 AT 06:42i think the mood side effect thing is real but not everyone feels it im not a doc just a patient
Alex Mitchell
November 5, 2025 AT 16:22When considering cost, the generic Singulair often saves a few bucks without losing effectiveness.
Narayan Iyer
November 14, 2025 AT 02:02Exactly – from a pharmacoeconomic standpoint the NDC pricing for Singulair falls under the Tier‑2 formularies, which translates to a lower out‑of‑pocket (OOP) burden for most enrollees.
Amanda Jennings
November 22, 2025 AT 11:42Also remember that combining an inhaled steroid with Montair can let you taper down the steroid dose over time.
alex cristobal roque
November 30, 2025 AT 21:22I've been prescribing Montair and its generics for over a decade and have seen a lot of patterns emerge.
First off, the oral route eliminates the whole coordination problem that many kids have with metered‑dose inhalers.
Because you only pop a pill once a day, adherence rates tend to be higher than with twice‑daily inhaled steroids.
The side‑effect profile is generally mild; most patients only complain about a low‑grade headache or a bit of nausea.
However, you can't ignore the reports of mood changes – some people feel a little anxious or irritable, and that’s something to monitor.
In my experience, if the mood symptoms become noticeable, switching to an inhaled corticosteroid or trying a different LTRA like Zafirlukast can help.
Cost is another big factor – while Montair itself runs about $30‑$40 a month here, the generic Singulair can drop that number by ten to fifteen dollars.
For patients who are on a tight budget, that savings is significant, especially when you factor in pharmacy co‑payments.
That said, inhaled steroids like Fluticasone or Budesonide still offer stronger anti‑inflammatory control for moderate‑to‑severe asthma.
If a patient keeps having night‑time symptoms despite Montair, stepping up to an inhaled corticosteroid is the next logical move.
The newer biologics, such as Omalizumab, are reserved for those who have allergic asthma that doesn't respond to the usual pills or inhalers.
These biologics are pricey, but for the right candidate they can cut exacerbations by up to half, which also reduces hospital costs.
One practical tip is to always have a rescue inhaler on hand when you start a new maintenance therapy, just in case control slips during the transition.
Also, remember to schedule regular follow‑ups and keep a symptom diary – peak flow numbers and night‑time awakenings are really useful data points.
Finally, never forget to check liver function tests if you ever decide to trial Zileuton or Zafirlukast, since those agents carry a hepatic risk.
All in all, Montair is a solid first‑line oral option, but the best regimen is always the one you can stick to consistently without troublesome side effects.
Bridget Dunning
December 9, 2025 AT 07:02In accordance with the Australian National Asthma Council guidelines, Montair (montelukast) is classified as a Step 2 controller option, particularly suitable for patients exhibiting mild‑to‑moderate disease severity and who demonstrate difficulty with inhaler technique; nevertheless, clinicians should remain vigilant regarding neuropsychiatric adverse events, ensuring that any emergent mood disturbances are promptly evaluated and documented.