indacaterol

General

**REMS Drug**
Pronunciation
in-da-KAT-e-role

Trade Name(s)

• Arcapta

Pregnancy Category
Category C

Ther. class.
bronchodilators
copd agents

Pharm. class.
adrenergics

Indications

Long-term maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Action

• Produces accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) at beta₂-adrenergic receptors. Relatively specific for pulmonary receptors.

• Acts as a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA).

Therapeutic Effect(s):
Bronchodilation, with improvement in symptoms of COPD.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Some systemic absorption from lungs and GI tract (43–45%).

Distribution: Extensively distributed.

Metabolism and Excretion: 54% excreted unchanged in feces; absorbed drug is mostly metabolized; 23% execreted in feces as metabolites.

Half-life: 45.5–126 hr.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (blood levels)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
Inhaln	unknown	15 min	24 hr†

† Bronchodilation.

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• Acutely deteriorating COPD or acute respiratory symptoms;

• Asthma.

Use Cautiously in:

• OB: Use during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential fetal risks; may interfere with uterine contractility during labor.;

• Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established.

Exercise Extreme Caution in:
Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants or drugs that prolong the QTc interval (↑ risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: headache.

EENT: nasopharyngitis, oropharyngeal pain.

Resp: PARADOXICAL BRONCHOSPASM, cough.

GI: nausea.

*CAPITALS indicates life-threatening.
*italic indicates most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

• ↑ risk of serious adverse cardiovascular effects with MAO inhibitors , tricyclic antidepressants , drugs that prolong the QTc interval ; use with extreme caution.

• Effectiveness may be ↓ by beta-blockers; use cautiously and only when necessary.

• Concurrent use with other adrenergics may ↑ adrenergic adverse reactions (↑ heart rate, BP, jitteriness).

• ↑ risk of hypokalemia or ECG changes with xanthine derivatives , corticosteroids , diuretics , or non-potassium sparing diuretics .

Drug-Natural Products
Use with caffeine-containing herbs ( cola nut , guarana , mate , tea , coffee ) ↑ stimulant effect.

Route/Dosage

• Inhaln (Adults): 75 mcg once daily..

Availability

• Capsules for inhalation: 75 mcg

Assessment

• Assess respiratory status (rate, breath sounds, degree of dyspnea, pulse) before administration and at peak of medication. Consult health care professional about alternative medication if severe bronchospasm is present; onset of action is too slow for patients in acute distress. If paradoxical bronchospasm (wheezing) occurs, withhold medication and notify health care professional immediately.

Lab Test Considerations

• May cause transient hypokalemia and hyperglycemia.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

• Ineffective airway clearance (Indications)

• Risk for activity intolerance (Indications)

Implementation

Inhaln: Pull cap off Neohaler. Open inhaler by holding the base and tilting the mouthpiece. Tear perforation to separate one blister from blister card; peal away protective back to expose foil. With dry hands, push capsule through foil to remove. Insert capsule into capsule chamber; do not swallow capsule or place directly into mouthpiece. Close inhaler until it clicks. Press both buttons fully 1 time; click is heard as capsule is pierced; do not press piercing buttons more than 1 time. Release buttons fully. Breathe out; do not blow into mouthpiece. Close lips around mouthpiece; hold inhaler with buttons left and right (not up and down). Breathe in rapidly and steadily, as deep as possible, a whirring noise is heard. Continue to hold breath as long as possible while removing inhaler from mouth. Open inhaler, if powder remains in capsule, close inhaler and inhale again. Usually requires 1–2 breaths. Remove capsule.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient in the correct use of capsules and Neohaler. Advise patient not to discontinue without consulting health care professional; symptoms may recur.

• Inform patient that indacaterol is not a bronchodilator and should not be used for treating sudden breathing problems.

• Advise patient to notify health care professional if worsening symptoms; decreasing effectiveness of inhaled, short-acting beta₂–agonists; need for more inhalations than usual of inhaled, short-acting beta₂–agonists; or significant decrease in lung function occur.

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to avoid concurrent use of Rx, OTC, and herbal products without consulting health care professional.

• Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Decrease in the number of flare-ups or the worsening of COPD symptoms (exacerbations).