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LABA

Indacaterol

Brand names: Onbrez Breezhaler

Indacaterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator administered by inhalation once daily for maintenance treatment of COPD.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It stimulates beta-2 adrenoceptors on bronchial smooth muscle, raising cyclic AMP to produce sustained, once-daily bronchodilation.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is licensed for COPD maintenance and is not indicated for asthma, where long-acting beta-2 agonist monotherapy is unsafe; it does not relieve acute bronchospasm.
  • It can cause tremor, palpitations, cough on inhalation and hypokalaemia.
  • Use with caution in cardiovascular disorders, arrhythmias and QT prolongation.

Monitoring

Monitor COPD symptom control, inhaler technique and for cardiovascular or potassium-related adverse effects in at-risk patients.

Counselling the patient

  • Use it once each day at the same time for ongoing control, not for sudden breathlessness.
  • Keep your separate reliever inhaler available.
  • A brief cough just after inhaling can occur and is usually harmless.

Evidence & guidelines

Long-acting bronchodilators are recommended in NICE COPD guidance to improve symptoms and reduce exacerbations.

Reference: NICE NG115; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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