indacaterol maleate at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator (LABA).
Licensed role
Maintenance bronchodilation for airflow obstruction in adults with COPD.
Form
Dry powder in a hard capsule, inhaled through the supplied Breezhaler.
Important distinction
The capsule is inhaled, not swallowed, and does not replace a prescribed reliever inhaler.
What is indacaterol maleate used for?
The UK product is licensed for:
Maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow obstruction in adults with COPD.
How does indacaterol maleate work?
Indacaterol stimulates beta-2 receptors in airway muscle, increasing cyclic AMP and relaxing the muscle. This widens the airways and produces a prolonged bronchodilator effect.
indacaterol maleate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 300 micrograms
How to take indacaterol maleate
Keep each capsule in its blister until needed. Put it in the capsule chamber of the supplied Onbrez Breezhaler, pierce it, breathe out away from the device, then inhale quickly and deeply. If powder remains, close the device and inhale again. Keep the inhaler dry and clean the mouthpiece with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Do not swallow the capsule or put it directly into the mouthpiece.
Do not blow into the inhaler or press its side buttons while inhaling.
Do not use these capsules in another device or other capsule medicines in this Breezhaler.
Use the new inhaler supplied with each prescription.
indacaterol maleate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Cough, sometimes briefly after inhalation
- Sore or irritated throat
- Runny nose, sinusitis or other upper respiratory symptoms
- Headache or dizziness
- Muscle spasms
- Swollen ankles or feet
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden wheezing or worsening breathlessness immediately after inhalation
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing, hives or a severe rash
- New chest pain, fainting, or a sustained fast or irregular heartbeat
indacaterol maleate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are unavailable. Indacaterol may relax uterine muscle, so the UK product information advises use only when the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk. Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy should be discussed with the prescriber.
indacaterol maleate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether indacaterol enters human milk. Infant exposure from inhaled bronchodilators is expected to be low, but direct indacaterol data are lacking. The benefits of treatment and breastfeeding should be assessed individually, particularly for a premature or unwell infant.
indacaterol maleate interactions
Ask a prescriber or pharmacist to check other medicines, including eye drops and inhalers. Important examples include:
Other long-acting beta-2 agonists
May increase beta-2 agonist adverse effects and should be avoided.
Other sympathomimetics
May increase effects such as tremor, palpitations or heart-rate changes.
Beta-blockers, including eye drops
May reduce bronchodilation and provoke bronchospasm; combined use requires a compelling reason and caution.
Common questions about indacaterol maleate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is indacaterol maleate a steroid?
No. It is a long-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator and does not contain an inhaled corticosteroid.
Can it treat sudden breathlessness?
No. It is maintenance treatment and does not replace the prescribed reliever treatment. Worsening COPD needs clinical review.
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.