glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting muscarinic antagonist plus long-acting beta2 agonist (LAMA/LABA).
Licensed use
Maintenance bronchodilation for symptom relief in adults with COPD.
Form
Dry inhalation powder in hard capsules used only with the supplied Breezhaler device. The capsules must not be swallowed.
Not suitable for
Sudden attacks of breathlessness or treatment of asthma.
What is glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate used for?
The selected product has one licensed role:
Maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve COPD symptoms in adults.
How does glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate work?
Indacaterol stimulates beta2 receptors to relax airway muscle. Glycopyrronium blocks muscarinic M3 receptors, reducing airway constriction. Their complementary actions widen the airways.
How to take glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate
Inhale the capsule’s powder only through the supplied Breezhaler. It can be inhaled before or after food or drink.
Keep the capsule in its blister until immediately before use; peel back the foil rather than pushing the capsule through it.
Place the capsule in the device chamber, not the mouthpiece, and pierce it only as directed.
Breathe out away from the inhaler, then inhale quickly and deeply through the mouthpiece and briefly hold your breath.
If powder remains in the capsule, repeat the inhalation steps.
Do not swallow the capsule, blow into the mouthpiece or use the capsule in another inhaler.
Use the new inhaler supplied with each pack and discard the previous device.
glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection or cold-like symptoms
- Cough or throat irritation
- Headache or dizziness
- Sinus or nasal symptoms
- Indigestion
- Urinary tract infection
- Raised blood glucose, particularly in diabetes
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden worsening of wheeze or breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or another serious allergic reaction
- Painful red eye, blurred vision or coloured halos suggesting acute glaucoma
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, severe palpitations or significant chest symptoms
- Difficulty or inability to pass urine
glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate in pregnancy
There are no adequate human pregnancy data for this combination. Indacaterol may relax uterine muscle, so use requires a prescriber-led assessment of expected benefit and potential fetal risk. Arrange a treatment review if pregnancy occurs rather than stopping respiratory treatment without advice.
glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether indacaterol, glycopyrronium or their metabolites enter human milk. Use while breastfeeding requires an individual benefit–risk review. Specific infant data for this combination are lacking.
glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate interactions
Check all medicines, including eye drops and other inhalers, before prescribing or supplying.
Other long-acting beta2 agonists or long-acting muscarinic antagonists
Concurrent use is not recommended because it duplicates the medicine classes and may increase adverse effects.
Beta blockers, including ophthalmic preparations
They may reduce bronchodilation or provoke bronchospasm. If essential, a cardioselective option is generally preferred with caution.
Other anticholinergic medicines
Combined use has not been studied and may increase effects such as dry mouth, glaucoma or urinary retention.
Common questions about glycopyrronium + indacaterol maleate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this a steroid inhaler?
No. It combines a LAMA and a LABA and does not contain an inhaled corticosteroid.
Can it treat sudden breathlessness?
No. It is not a rescue inhaler and is not indicated for an acute episode of bronchospasm.
Can it be used for asthma?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.