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Alternative Medications to Singulair

Singulair is a prescription-only medication designed to alleviate asthma symptoms among children and adults. However, the drug has recently come under scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration due to the potential for dangerous side effects, including hallucinations, tremors and suicidal thoughts. Because of this, many patients are looking for alternatives to Singulair to treat their asthma.

  1. Types of Asthma Medication

    • Asthma treatment falls under two categories: quick-relief and long-term control. Quick relief medication works to immediately alleviate an active asthma attack and give the patient the ability to breathe normally. Long-term control medication is designed to work with the body to keep asthma from flaring up.

    Examples of Quick-Relief Asthma Medication

    • There are several quick-relief asthma medications that patients can consider, including short-acting beta-2 agonists like Albuterol and Ipratropium (Atrovent). Both of these relax the air passageways, making it easier to breath. Also available are corticosteroids that relieve airway inflammation in patients with severe cases of asthma.

    Examples of Long-Term Control Asthma Medication

    • Patients have even more choices when it comes to long-term control asthma medication. Daily consumption of Inhaled corticosteroids, Long-acting beta-2 agonists and Leukotriene modifiers (like Singulair) provide long-term care to keep air passageways open and inflammation-free.

    Recommended Alternatives to Singulair

    • Medical experts at the Mayo Clinic say that inhaled corticosteroids prescribed under name brands like Advair, Symbicort and Flovent provide the best asthma relief for patients with the lowest risk for dangerous side effects. The downside to these medications is that it may take days or weeks for patients to fully receive the benefits of the medication.

    Expert Advice

    • It's important to note that there isn't a one-size-fits-all treatment for asthma. Patients should work closely with their doctors to find an asthma treatment regimen that works with their lifestyle and specific asthma symptoms.

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