A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) inhaler
Olodaterol
A once-daily long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) inhaler used as maintenance treatment to keep the airways open in COPD.
What is Olodaterol?
Olodaterol is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) inhaler used once daily to keep the airways relaxed and open in COPD. It is a maintenance (preventer) treatment, not a reliever, so it is taken regularly rather than for sudden breathlessness. Good inhaler technique is important for it to work well.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Olodaterol — 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
Olodaterol (brand name Striverdi) is a long-acting bronchodilator of the LABA type, delivered by a soft-mist inhaler. It is used as a regular maintenance treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to keep the airways open and reduce day-to-day breathlessness. It is taken once a day at the same time and is not a rescue inhaler — a separate fast-acting reliever is still needed for sudden symptoms.
How it works
Olodaterol stimulates beta-2 receptors on the muscle around the airways, causing that muscle to relax. This widens the airways (bronchodilation), making it easier for air to move in and out and easing breathlessness. Because it is long-acting, a single daily dose keeps the airways more open through the day and night. It does not treat the underlying inflammation, so in COPD it is often combined with other inhaled treatments.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Boehringer Ingelheim, marketed in the UK as Striverdi Respimat..
What it treats
Conditions Olodaterol is used for
Practical use
How to take Olodaterol
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Use it once a day, at the same time each day, as a regular maintenance treatment.
- Prime and use the soft-mist inhaler with the correct technique — breathe in slowly and steadily as you release the mist.
- Keep using your separate fast-acting reliever inhaler for sudden breathlessness; olodaterol is not a reliever.
- Do not take extra doses if you feel breathless — use your reliever and seek advice if symptoms worsen.
- Have your inhaler technique checked from time to time so you get the full benefit.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Olodaterol
Advantages
- Once-daily dosing makes a simple, steady maintenance routine for COPD.
- Keeps the airways open through the day and night, easing breathlessness and improving activity.
- Delivered as a gentle soft mist, which some people find easier to inhale.
Disadvantages
- It is a preventer, not a reliever, so it does not help sudden breathlessness.
- Relies on correct inhaler technique to work properly.
- Can cause shakiness, palpitations or a fast heartbeat, and in asthma a LABA must be paired with an inhaled steroid.
Practical use
Good to know
Olodaterol is a maintenance inhaler taken every day, not a reliever for sudden breathlessness — keep using your separate fast-acting reliever for that. Good inhaler technique matters, so ask to have yours checked. Importantly, in asthma a LABA must never be used on its own: it has to be combined with an inhaled steroid; olodaterol's licensed use is in COPD. Tell your prescriber if your breathing is getting worse or your reliever is needed more often.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People needing relief of a sudden attack of breathlessness — it is not a rescue inhaler.
- People with asthma using it without an inhaled steroid — a LABA must not be used alone in asthma.
- Anyone allergic to olodaterol; used with caution in certain heart-rhythm problems, uncontrolled heart disease, an overactive thyroid or a low blood-potassium level.
Monitoring
- How well breathlessness and COPD symptoms are controlled
- Heart rate and any palpitations, especially in heart conditions
- Inhaler technique and whether the reliever is being needed more often
Side effects
- Shakiness (tremor), palpitations or a faster heartbeat.
- Headache, dizziness or a dry or irritated throat and cough.
- Less commonly muscle cramps, and rarely paradoxical tightening of the airways straight after use — stop and use your reliever if this happens.
Key interactions
- Other beta-agonist inhalers, which can add to heart-rate and tremor effects.
- Beta-blockers (for blood pressure, heart or glaucoma) can oppose its action and may worsen breathing.
- Water tablets (diuretics), steroids and some other drugs can lower potassium further, and care is needed with medicines that affect heart rhythm.
Available as: Soft-mist inhaler (Respimat).
Answers
Olodaterol: frequently asked questions
Is olodaterol a reliever inhaler?
No. Olodaterol is a long-acting maintenance (preventer) inhaler taken regularly to keep the airways open. It does not act quickly enough for sudden breathlessness, so you still need a separate fast-acting reliever inhaler for that.
Can people with asthma use it?
Olodaterol's licensed use is in COPD. In asthma, a LABA must never be used on its own because that can be unsafe — it always has to be combined with an inhaled steroid. Asthma is usually treated with combination inhalers rather than a stand-alone LABA.
How often do I take it?
It is taken once a day, ideally at the same time each day, as a regular maintenance treatment. Taking it consistently keeps your airways more open around the clock; do not take extra doses for breathlessness — use your reliever instead.
Why does it make my hands shake?
Tremor and palpitations are recognised effects of beta-agonist inhalers like olodaterol, because they can stimulate the heart and muscles. These effects are usually mild and often settle, but tell your prescriber if they are troublesome or you feel your heart racing.
What if my breathing is getting worse?
If you are more breathless, using your reliever more often, or your symptoms are not controlled, get reviewed rather than taking extra olodaterol. Worsening symptoms may mean a flare-up or that your treatment plan needs adjusting.
The wider class
About Long-acting bronchodilators
Olodaterol 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: Olodaterol.
- NICE CKS: COPD treatment.
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