Oxima 150 Acucap

Indications

Indacaterol is used once a day as a long-term maintenance treatment to keep the airways open in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is not used on its own for asthma. Combination inhalers that contain Indacaterol with Mometasone and/or Glycopyrronium are used for COPD or asthma as the doctor decides.

How It Works

Indacaterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). It relaxes the muscles around the airways for about 24 hours, so breathing is easier through the day and night with a single dose.

Dosage and Administration

Adults with COPD: usually one 150 mcg capsule inhaled once a day, at the same time each day. The doctor may increase it to 300 mcg once a day. Combination products: as prescribed.

The capsules are for inhalation only. Put one capsule in the inhaler device supplied, pierce it and breathe in quickly and deeply; never swallow the capsules. Do not use more than one dose a day. Not for children.

Interactions

• Beta-blockers, including some eye drops such as Timolol, can block its effect and may tighten the airways.
• Other long-acting beta-2 agonists such as Salmeterol or Formoterol: do not use together.
• Diuretics, corticosteroids and Theophylline can lower blood potassium further.
• Medicines that affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation), MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants: use with caution.

Contraindications

Allergy to indacaterol or any ingredient of the product (some capsules contain lactose, which contains milk protein). Asthma treated with indacaterol alone, without an inhaled corticosteroid.

Side Effects

Common: cough just after inhaling, runny or blocked nose, sore throat, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness and a fast heartbeat. Less common: tremor, chest discomfort, raised blood sugar and low blood potassium.

Get urgent medical help if breathing becomes worse or wheezy straight after a dose, if you have chest pain or an irregular or very fast heartbeat, or if you notice swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a widespread rash.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is little information on use in pregnancy. It may relax the womb and could affect labour, so it is used only if the doctor considers it necessary. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; ask the doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

It does not relieve a sudden breathing attack; always carry the quick-relief inhaler your doctor has given you. Do not stop it without talking to the doctor. Use with care if you have heart disease, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes or fits. See a doctor if your breathing gets worse or you need your reliever more often.

Overdose

Too much may cause a fast heartbeat, palpitations, tremor, headache, nausea, low blood potassium and high blood sugar. Seek medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Bronchodilator (long-acting beta-2 agonist).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep capsules in the blister and take one out only just before use.