Is Singulair over the counter? A guide to access and alternatives

In this article:

• Is Singulair over the counter?
• What’s the generic for Singulair?
• OTC Singulair alternatives
• OTC alternatives for allergy relief
• Home remedies for allergies
• OTC alternatives for asthma

In this article

• Is Singulair over the counter?
• What’s the generic for Singulair?
• OTC Singulair alternatives
• OTC alternatives for allergy relief
• Home remedies for allergies
• OTC alternatives for asthma

Singulair (montelukast) is a prescription drug that is used for asthma and allergies. Specifically, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following uses:

• Prevention and chronic treatment of asthma in adults and children 12 months and older
• Prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adults and children 6 years and older
• Relief of symptoms of seasonal allergies (seasonal allergic rhinitis) in adults and children 2 years and older
• Relief of symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 months and older

Singulair is classified as a leukotriene receptor antagonist. It is available as oral tablets, oral chewable tablets, and oral granules. Because Singulair is commonly used for allergies, people often ask if this medicine is available over the counter. 

Is Singulair over the counter?

Singulair is not available over the counter. It requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a primary care provider, allergist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professional. Because Singulair has potential side effects and safety concerns, including mental health-related warnings, it is only available as a prescription medication. 

Singulair side effects

The most common side effects of Singulair include:

• Upper respiratory infection
• Sinus infection
• Ear infection or earache
• Fever 
• Sore throat
• Cough 
• Runny nose
• Flu
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea

Serious side effects are less common and may include:

• Serious mental health problems (see Singulair boxed warning section below)
• Increased eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and inflamed blood vessels throughout the body, which is more likely to occur in people with asthma or people who are stopping use of an oral steroid (or decreasing the dose)

Singulair boxed warning

Singulair has a black box warning, or boxed warning. This is the most serious warning required by the FDA. The warning states that people have experienced serious mental health problems while taking Singulair or after stopping treatment with this medicine. These problems can happen in people with or without a history of mental health conditions. People who take Singulair should get medical help right away if there are any changes in thinking or behavior, including:

• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Agitation, aggression, or hostility
• Problems with memory or attention
• Sleep problems, including trouble sleeping, sleep walking, or bad or vivid dreams
• Depression, anxiety, or irritability
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Stuttering
• Tremors 
• Uncontrolled muscle movements
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
• Obsessive-compulsive symptoms

What’s the generic for Singulair?

Although there is no over-the-counter (OTC) version of Singulair, there is a generic prescription version—montelukast—which is typically much more affordable. 

Like all generic drugs, generic montelukast works the same way as its brand-name counterpart. 

Although the medicine may look different, it is just as effective, and often a fraction of the cost. For example, a 90-day supply of brand-name Singulair 10 mg costs an average of $995 without insurance. If you substitute generic montelukast and use a SingleCare coupon, you can pay as low as $9. 

OTC Singulair alternatives

OTC alternatives for Singulair depend on your reason for using it. 

OTC alternatives for allergy relief 

There are many OTC allergy medications that can be used as alternatives to Singulair. These include oral antihistamines, which help symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes:

• Claritin (loratadine)
• Allegra (fexofenadine)
• Zyrtec (cetirizine)
• Xyzal (levocetirizine)

Some of these medicines are also available in combination with pseudoephedrine, an oral decongestant that helps relieve a stuffy nose. 

There are also various OTC nasal sprays for allergies, including:

• Nasal steroids such as Flonase (fluticasone) Allergy Relief: Nasal steroids work over time to decrease inflammation (swelling) in the nose and relieve symptoms. 
• Nasal antihistamines such as Astepro (azelastine): These work quickly and do not contain steroids.

Home remedies for allergies

You can also try home remedies to alleviate allergy symptoms, such as:

• Using a HEPA filter in the home
• Rinsing with nasal saline
• Showering before bedtime to remove pollen and other allergens
• Washing bedding once weekly in hot water

OTC alternatives for asthma

There are no OTC alternatives to Singulair for long-term control of asthma and prevention of asthma symptoms. Singulair is known as a maintenance medicine—it does not relieve symptoms of an asthma attack, such as wheezing or shortness of breath. It is best to consult your healthcare provider about the best treatment for asthma. 

Bottom line

Although Singulair is not available over the counter, your healthcare provider can give you medical advice on whether it—or another treatment option—is best for you. If you are prescribed Singulair, you can use your SingleCare prescription discount card to pay less than $10 for generic montelukast at participating pharmacies.