Indacaterol is used if your breathing problems are not controlled with other medication (such as a quick-relief inhaler). It works in the airways by relaxing muscles and opening air passages to improve breathing and treat trouble breathing and wheezing. This medication should not be used for severe/sudden breathing problems.
How to use indacaterol inhalation
Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using indacaterol and each time you get a refill. Learn and follow the directions for proper use and care of the inhaler device and this medication. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Indacaterol comes in a capsule. Do not swallow these capsules. Inhale the contents of the capsule by mouth using the inhaler device as directed by your doctor, usually one capsule once daily. Indacaterol must always be used with its own special inhaler device. Always discard your old inhaler device and use the new inhaler device that you get each time you refill your indacaterol prescription. Do not use a “spacer” device with the inhaler.
Leave the capsule sealed in the blister card until just before use. Wash and completely dry hands before touching the capsules. Inhale the capsule contents as directed to make sure you inhale all of the drug. Be sure to inhale rapidly and deeply through the mouthpiece when using this drug. Do not exhale into the inhaler.
If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.
Using too much indacaterol or using it too often may make the drug work less well and increase the risk of serious side effects. Do not use more than the recommended dose or use this drug more often than prescribed. If you are using a quick-relief inhaler on a regular schedule (such as 4 times a day), you should stop the regular schedule and continue using your quick-relief inhaler only as needed for severe/sudden breathing problems. Do not stop or decrease the dose of your other prescribed medications (including inhaled corticosteroids such as beclomethasone) without your doctor’s approval.
Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.
Tell your doctor right away if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
