Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Inhalation:
Utibron Neohaler: Indacaterol 27.5 mcg and glycopyrrolate 15.6 mcg [contains lactose monohydrate, milk protein]
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Indacaterol: Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by selective action on beta2-receptors with little effect on heart rate; acts locally in the lung.
Glycopyrrolate: In COPD, competitively and reversibly inhibits the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptor subtypes 1-3 (greater affinity for subtypes 1 and 3) in bronchial smooth muscle thereby causing bronchodilation.
Use: Labeled Indications
COPD: Long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to indacaterol, glycopyrrolate, or any component of the formulation; monotherapy (without use of a concomitant inhaled corticosteroid) in the treatment of asthma
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
COPD: Oral inhalation: Dry powder inhaler (capsule): Contents of one capsule (indacaterol 27.5 mcg/glycopyrrolate 15.6 mcg) inhaled twice daily (maximum: 2 capsules/day)
Ultibro Breezhaler [Canadian product]: Dry powder inhaler (capsule): Contents of one capsule (indacaterol 110 mcg/glycopyrrolate 50 mcg) inhaled once daily (maximum: 1 capsule/day)
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Administration
Oral inhalation: Dry powder inhaler (capsule): For oral inhalation only; do not swallow capsules. Do not remove capsules from blister until immediately before use. Administer at the same time(s) each day. Discard any capsules that are exposed to air and not used immediately. Use the new inhaler device included with each prescription. Refer to product labeling for additional administration instructions.
Storage
Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Remove from blister pack immediately before use; discard capsule if not used immediately; do not store capsules in the inhaler.
Drug Interactions
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Monitor therapy
Aclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination
Amantadine: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Monitor therapy
Anticholinergic Agents: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Glycopyrrolate (Oral Inhalation). Avoid combination
AtoMOXetine: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Monitor therapy
AtoMOXetine: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. AtoMOXetine may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Atosiban: Beta2-Agonists may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Atosiban. Specifically, there may be an increased risk for pulmonary edema and/or dyspnea. Monitor therapy
Beta2-Agonists (Long-Acting): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Beta2-Agonists (Long-Acting). Avoid combination
Beta-Blockers (Beta1 Selective): May diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Beta2-Agonists. Of particular concern with nonselective beta-blockers or higher doses of the beta1 selective beta-blockers. Monitor therapy
Beta-Blockers (Nonselective): May diminish the bronchodilatory effect of Beta2-Agonists. Avoid combination
Betahistine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Monitor therapy
Botulinum Toxin-Containing Products: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Monitor therapy
Caffeine and Caffeine Containing Products: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Indacaterol. Caffeine and Caffeine Containing Products may enhance the hypokalemic effect of Indacaterol. Monitor therapy
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Exceptions: Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the tachycardic effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Exceptions: Cannabidiol. Monitor therapy
Chloral Betaine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Monitor therapy
Cimetropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Cimetropium. Avoid combination
Cocaine (Topical): May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider alternatives to use of this combination when possible. Monitor closely for substantially increased blood pressure or heart rate and for any evidence of myocardial ischemia with concurrent use. Consider therapy modification
Corticosteroids (Systemic): Indacaterol may enhance the hypokalemic effect of Corticosteroids (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Doxofylline. Monitor therapy
Eluxadoline: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Eluxadoline. Avoid combination
Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic): Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic). Monitor therapy
Glucagon: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Glucagon. Specifically, the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects may be increased. Monitor therapy
Glycopyrronium (Topical): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination
Guanethidine: May enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Sympathomimetics. Guanethidine may enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Ipratropium (Oral Inhalation): May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination
Itopride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Itopride. Monitor therapy
Levosulpiride: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Levosulpiride. Avoid combination
Linezolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Management: Reduce initial doses of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced pressor response, in patients receiving linezolid. Specific dose adjustment recommendations are not presently available. Consider therapy modification
Loop Diuretics: Beta2-Agonists may enhance the hypokalemic effect of Loop Diuretics. Monitor therapy
Loxapine: Agents to Treat Airway Disease may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Loxapine. More specifically, the use of Agents to Treat Airway Disease is likely a marker of patients who are likely at a greater risk for experiencing significant bronchospasm from use of inhaled loxapine. Management: This is specific to the Adasuve brand of loxapine, which is an inhaled formulation. This does not apply to non-inhaled formulations of loxapine. Avoid combination
Methacholine: Beta2-Agonists (Long-Acting) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Methacholine. Management: Hold long-acting beta2 agonists for 36 hours before methacholine use. Consider therapy modification
Methacholine: Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Methacholine. Consider therapy modification
Mianserin: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Monitor therapy
Mirabegron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Mirabegron. Monitor therapy
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Monitor therapy
Nitroglycerin: Anticholinergic Agents may decrease the absorption of Nitroglycerin. Specifically, anticholinergic agents may decrease the dissolution of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets, possibly impairing or slowing nitroglycerin absorption. Monitor therapy
Opioid Agonists: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Opioid Agonists. Specifically, the risk for constipation and urinary retention may be increased with this combination. Monitor therapy
Oxatomide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination
Potassium Chloride: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Chloride. Management: Patients on drugs with substantial anticholinergic effects should avoid using any solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride. Avoid combination
Potassium Citrate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the ulcerogenic effect of Potassium Citrate. Avoid combination
Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Consider therapy modification
QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Monitor therapy
Ramosetron: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the constipating effect of Ramosetron. Monitor therapy
Revefenacin: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Revefenacin. Avoid combination
Secretin: Anticholinergic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Secretin. Management: Avoid concomitant use of anticholinergic agents and secretin. Discontinue anticholinergic agents at least 5 half-lives prior to administration of secretin. Consider therapy modification
Solriamfetol: Sympathomimetics may enhance the hypertensive effect of Solriamfetol. Monitor therapy
Sympathomimetics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Tedizolid: May enhance the hypertensive effect of Sympathomimetics. Tedizolid may enhance the tachycardic effect of Sympathomimetics. Monitor therapy
Theophylline Derivatives: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Indacaterol. Theophylline Derivatives may enhance the hypokalemic effect of Indacaterol. Monitor therapy
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: Beta2-Agonists may enhance the hypokalemic effect of Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics. Monitor therapy
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: Anticholinergic Agents may increase the serum concentration of Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics. Monitor therapy
Tiotropium: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the anticholinergic effect of Tiotropium. Avoid combination
Topiramate: Anticholinergic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Topiramate. Monitor therapy
Umeclidinium: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergic Agents. Avoid combination
Adverse Reactions
Also see individual agents.
1% to 10%
Cardiovascular: Hypertension (2%)
Central nervous system: Headache (≥2%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia (≥2%)
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (≥2%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (≥2%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain (2%)
Respiratory: Nasopharyngitis (4%), lower respiratory tract infection (≥2%), pneumonia (≥2%), rhinitis (≥2%), upper respiratory tract infection (≥2%), oropharyngeal pain (2%)
Frequency not defined: Respiratory: Paradoxical bronchospasm
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Atrial fibrillation, bladder outflow obstruction, chest pain, dizziness, dyspepsia, fatigue, gastroenteritis, hypersensitivity reaction, insomnia, palpitations, peripheral edema, pruritus, skin rash, tachycardia, urinary retention
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Asthma-related deaths: Monotherapy with a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) is contraindicated in the treatment of asthma. In a large, randomized, placebo-controlled US clinical trial (SMART 2006), salmeterol was associated with an increase in asthma-related deaths (when added to usual asthma therapy); risk is considered a class effect among all LABAs. When LABAs are used in a fixed-dose combination with inhaled corticosteroids, data from large clinical trials do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared to inhaled corticosteroids alone. Current guidelines recommend the use of an inhaled corticosteroid before adding a LABA (GINA 2018; NIH/NHLBI 2007). In a more recent multicenter, randomized, double-blinded trial, the use of salmeterol and an inhaled corticosteroid (ie, fluticasone) combined in a single inhaler in a large number of children, adolescent, and adult patients with persistent asthma (non-life threatening and stable) did not increase the risk of serious asthma-related events compared with fluticasone alone; in addition, patients receiving fluticasone/salmeterol had fewer severe asthma exacerbations compared with patients receiving fluticasone alone (Peters 2016; Stempel 2016a; Stempel 2016b). Indacaterol/glycopyrrolate is not indicated for the treatment of asthma. Available data do not suggest an increased risk of death with use of an LABA in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Bronchospasm: Paradoxical bronchospasm that may be life-threatening may occur with use of inhaled bronchodilating agents; this should be distinguished from inadequate response. If paradoxical bronchospasm occurs, discontinue use and institute alternative therapy.
- CNS effects: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and/or blurred vision; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).
- Hypersensitivity: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, rash, or urticaria, may occur; discontinue immediately if signs/symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction occur.
- Serious effects/fatalities: Do not exceed recommended dose or frequency or use with other medications containing LABAs; serious adverse events, including fatalities, have been associated with excessive use of inhaled sympathomimetics.
Disease-related concerns:
- Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (eg, arrhythmia, coronary insufficiency, hypertension); beta-agonists may cause elevation in blood pressure and heart rate. Beta-2 agonists may also produce changes in the ECG (eg, T-wave flattening, QTc prolongation, ST segment depression).
- Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; beta-2 agonists may aggravate preexisting diabetes and ketoacidosis and increase serum glucose.
- Glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with narrow angle glaucoma; may increase intraocular pressure.
- Hyperthyroidism: Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism; beta-2 agonists may stimulate thyroid activity.
- Hypokalemia: Use with caution in patients with hypokalemia; beta-2 agonists may decrease serum potassium (transient).
- Renal function impairment: Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment (GFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis; monitor closely.
- Seizures: Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders; beta-2 agonists may result in CNS stimulation/excitation.
- Urinary retention: Use with caution in patients with urinary retention. Monitor for signs and symptoms of urinary retention, especially in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Pediatric: LABAs, when used as monotherapy, may increase the risk of asthma-related hospitalization in pediatric and adolescent patients. When LABAs are used in a fixed-dose combination with inhaled corticosteroids, data from large clinical trials in adolescents do not show a significant increase in the risk of serious asthma-related events (hospitalizations, intubations, death) compared to inhaled corticosteroids alone.
Dosage form specific issues:
- Lactose: Some products may contain lactose; allergic reactions possible in patients with severe milk protein allergy. Use with caution in patients with severe hypersensitivity to milk proteins.
Other warnings:
- Appropriate use: Not indicated for the initial (rescue) treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm or with acutely deteriorating or potentially life-threatening COPD; after initiation of therapy, patients should use short-acting bronchodilators only on an as needed basis for acute symptoms.
Monitoring Parameters
FEV1, peak flow, and/or other pulmonary function tests; serum potassium, serum glucose; blood pressure, heart rate; CNS stimulation; signs/symptoms of glaucoma; hypersensitivity reactions; urinary retention.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Risk Factor
C
Pregnancy Considerations
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this combination. Beta-agonists have the potential to affect uterine contractility if administered during labor. Refer to individual monographs.
Patient Education
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- This drug is not to be used to treat intense flare-ups of shortness of breath. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.
Frequently reported side effects of this drug
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Back pain
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
- High blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit
- Low potassium like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an abnormal heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Fast heartbeat
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Severe headache
- Severe dizziness
- Passing out
- Painful urination
- Change in amount of urine passed
- Passing a lot of urine
- Trouble urinating
- Vision changes
- Eye pain
- Severe eye irritation
- Red eyes
- Seeing halos or bright colors around lights
- Severe anxiety
- Tremors
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
