A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) inhaler
Indacaterol
A once-daily long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) inhaler used as regular maintenance treatment for COPD — not a rescue reliever.
What is Indacaterol?
Indacaterol is a once-daily long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) inhaler used as regular maintenance treatment for COPD. It relaxes the muscles around the airways to keep them open, making breathing easier over the whole day. It is not a rescue inhaler for sudden breathlessness, and good inhaler technique with regular daily use is important for it to work.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Indacaterol — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Indacaterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) inhaler used in the UK as regular maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It keeps the airways open over the course of the day, helping with breathlessness and making everyday activities easier. It is a once-daily maintenance inhaler taken every day, not a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. It does not contain a steroid, and in asthma a LABA must only ever be used together with an inhaled steroid.
How it works
Indacaterol stimulates beta-receptors on the muscle around the airways, causing that muscle to relax. This widens the airways (bronchodilation) and keeps them open, which makes it easier to breathe. Because it is long-acting, a single dose keeps the airways open over the whole day, which is why it is used as regular maintenance treatment rather than for quick relief.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Developed by Novartis..
Indacaterol is a once-daily long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) developed by Novartis and used in the UK as a maintenance inhaler for COPD.
What it treats
Conditions Indacaterol is used for
Practical use
How to take Indacaterol
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Use it regularly every day as maintenance treatment, even when you feel well — it is not a rescue inhaler.
- Take it once a day, ideally at the same time each day, to keep steady cover.
- Keep a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler for sudden breathlessness.
- Use good inhaler technique with the dry-powder device, and ask your pharmacist or nurse to check it.
- If you have asthma, this type of inhaler must only be used together with an inhaled steroid, never on its own.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Indacaterol
Advantages
- Once-daily dosing is simple and convenient and gives cover across the whole day.
- It keeps the airways open, easing breathlessness and making activity easier in COPD.
- It works steadily in the background as a maintenance treatment.
Disadvantages
- It is not a rescue inhaler, so a separate fast-acting reliever is still needed for sudden symptoms.
- It relies on good inhaler technique and regular daily use to work properly.
- It can cause side effects such as throat irritation, cough, tremor or a faster heartbeat in some people.
Practical use
Good to know
Indacaterol is a maintenance inhaler, so it is used regularly every day to keep the airways open, even when you feel well — it is not a reliever for sudden breathlessness, and you should keep a separate fast-acting reliever for that. Good inhaler technique matters a great deal: getting the technique right means more medicine reaches the lungs. It is taken once a day, ideally at the same time each day. In asthma, a LABA like this must never be used on its own — it must be combined with an inhaled steroid — though indacaterol on its own is used in COPD.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who need a rescue inhaler — this is not a reliever for sudden breathlessness.
- People with asthma should not use a LABA on its own; it must be combined with an inhaled steroid.
- Used with caution in people with certain heart conditions, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or an overactive thyroid.
Monitoring
- Review of breathing symptoms, how often a reliever is needed, and inhaler technique.
- Watching for a fast or irregular heartbeat and troublesome tremor.
- Checking the inhaler is being used regularly and correctly.
Side effects
- Throat irritation, cough or a runny or blocked nose.
- Headache and, sometimes, a faster heartbeat or palpitations.
- Tremor (shakiness), especially in the hands.
- Rarely, muscle cramps or, very rarely, tightening of the airways straight after using the inhaler (seek advice).
Key interactions
- Other beta-agonist medicines can add to effects such as tremor and a faster heartbeat.
- Some water tablets (diuretics) and other medicines can affect potassium levels alongside it.
- Certain medicines that affect the heart's rhythm, or beta-blockers, may interact; tell your prescriber about all your medicines.
Available as: A dry-powder inhaler.
Answers
Indacaterol: frequently asked questions
Is indacaterol a reliever inhaler?
No — it is a long-acting maintenance bronchodilator taken regularly every day (a LABA is not the same as a steroid 'preventer'). It is not for sudden breathlessness, so you should keep a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler for that.
How often do I use indacaterol?
It is used once a day, ideally at the same time each day. Using it regularly is important, as it works by keeping the airways open steadily rather than giving quick relief.
Can people with asthma use indacaterol?
A LABA like indacaterol must never be used on its own in asthma — it has to be combined with an inhaled steroid. On its own, this type of inhaler is used in COPD. Your prescriber will choose the right combination for you.
Why does inhaler technique matter so much?
Good technique means more of the medicine actually reaches your lungs rather than staying in your mouth or throat. Ask your pharmacist or nurse to check your technique, as small mistakes can reduce how well it works.
What should I do if it does not relieve sudden breathlessness?
Indacaterol is not designed for quick relief. Use your separate fast-acting reliever inhaler for sudden symptoms, and seek medical help if your breathing does not improve or is getting worse.
The wider class
About Long-acting bronchodilators
Indacaterol belongs to the long-acting bronchodilators class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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