PharmaceuticalBeta-2 agonistBronchodilatorUltra-LABA

Indacaterol

Also known as Arcapta · Onbrez · Component of Ultibro/Utibron

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20261 sources0 comments

Indacaterol is an ultra-long-acting beta-2 agonist (ultra-LABA) that provides 24-hour bronchodilation from a single inhaled daily dose, used for maintenance treatment of COPD, often combined with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. Its once-daily dosing is its main advantage. It has no physique or fat-loss application.

01 Overview

Indacaterol is a once-daily inhaled beta-2 agonist licensed for the maintenance bronchodilator treatment of COPD. Its 24-hour duration allows single daily dosing, and it is available both alone and in fixed combinations with a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (e.g. glycopyrronium) or a corticosteroid.

Like other LABAs it should not be used as monotherapy in asthma. Its systemic side effects mirror the beta-2 agonist class: tremor, palpitations, cough shortly after inhalation, and metabolic effects at high doses. It is not used for cutting or thermogenesis; systemic exposure at inhaled doses is low and any metabolic benefit is negligible relative to the cardiovascular class effects.

02 Mechanism

Ultra-long-acting selective beta-2 agonist. High receptor affinity and lipophilic anchoring give 24-hour bronchodilation via sustained cyclic AMP elevation and airway smooth-muscle relaxation.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
COPD maintenance	75–150 mcg/day	Inhaled	75 mcg (US) or 150-300 mcg (elsewhere) once daily via dry-powder inhaler.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
24-hour bronchodilationSustained relief of airflow obstruction from a single daily inhalation.	once-daily dosing	Clinical
Improved lung functionImproves trough FEV1 and symptom control in COPD.	FEV1 improvement	Clinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
Post-inhalation coughTransient cough shortly after inhalation, characteristic of indacaterol and usually not requiring discontinuation.	Mild	Common	Clinical
Tremor and palpitationsFine tremor and palpitations from systemic beta-2 stimulation.	Mild	Common	Clinical
Increased severe events (asthma monotherapy)LABA class warning: monotherapy in asthma is associated with increased severe asthma events; indacaterol is licensed for COPD.	Severe	Rare, off-label asthma use	Clinical

06 Legal status

United States

Prescription drug

FDA-approved as Arcapta for COPD maintenance. · as of Jan 2026

07 References

Indacaterol for COPD — pharmacology and efficacyClinical review / prescribing information

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.