Indacaterol

Indacaterol is a long-acting beta agonist classified as a bronchodilator. It is used to manage symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medication functions by relaxing and dilating the airways, thereby facilitating easier breathing.

BRAND NAMES:

Onbrez Breezhaler - Onbrez breezhaler capule contains indacaterol maleate as the main active ingredient with a strength of 150mg.

Arcapta Neohaler – Arcapta capsule contains 75mcg indacaterol in hard gelatin capsule.

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

Indaceterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It acts by stimulating intracellular adenyl cyclase to increase the level of cyclic 5-adenosine monophosphate resulting in the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.

PHARMACOKINETICS:

Absorption: The bioavailability of indaceterol is 43 – 45%. It takes 15 minutes to reach its maximum peak plasma concentration.

Distribution: The volume of distribution is 2557 L(IV). The plasma protein binding is approximately 95%.

Metabolism: It is metabolized in the liver by CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and CYP1A1 to hydroxylated indaceterol and by UGT1A1 to phenolic O – glucuronides.

Excretion: Indacaterol is mainly excreted in the feces as the unchanged parent drug, accounting for 54% of the dose, with a smaller portion (23%) excreted as hydroxylated metabolites of indacaterol.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:

The prescribed dosage is individualized based on the patient's health condition and age. Furthermore, the frequency of doses, the intervals between them, and the duration of therapy are tailored according to the specific medical condition being treated.

For inhalation dosage form(powder):

For adults, the recommended dose is 75mcg, which means 1 capsule by oral inhalation once a day.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Few medicines should be avoided while taking indaceterol. In some cases, the drug can interact with other drugs and can cause some severe adverse effects. Below are the medicines that should be avoided while taking indacaterol.

Antidepressants – Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Clomipramine, Nortriptyline
Beta blockers – Atenolol, Labetalol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Propranolol, Citalopram
Diet pills – Droperidol, Epinephrine, Erythromycin
Medicines for irregular heartbeat – Amiodarone, Disopyramide, Doferillide, Flecainide.
Steroids – Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone, prednisone, piozide, theophylline, thioridazine.

FOOD INTERACTIONS:

Alcohol consumption should be avoided, as it has the potential to worsen the patient's condition.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Indacaterol is contraindicated in patients with asthma, except when used alongside a long-term asthma control medication. It should also be avoided in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its ingredients.

ADVERSE EFFECTS: