Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol
About
Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators indicated for long-term, maintenance treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tube lining). In COPD, the muscles around the airways tighten, making it difficult to breathe.
Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol is a combination of two medicines, namely: Indacaterol and Glycopyrrolate. Indacaterol relaxes and widens the openings in the airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol provides relief from COPD.
In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as upper respiratory tract infection, inflammation of the sinuses, runny/stuffy nose, headache, dizziness, and stomach upset. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not stop using Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol on your own as it might cause worsening of symptoms. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol
Medicinal Benefits
Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol is a combination of two medicines, namely: Indacaterol and Glycopyrrolate. Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol belongs to the group of medicines called bronchodilators used to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Indacaterol is a long-acting beta-agonist that relaxes and widens the openings in the airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic that decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol provides relief from COPD.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Nasopharyngitis (sore throat and runny nose)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, heart problems, seizures/epilepsy, thyroid gland problems, diabetes, narrow-angle glaucoma, kidney problems, severe liver problems, if you have any difficulty in passing urine or if you are taking any medicines for lung diseases. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol as it might cause increased dizziness. Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol may interact with beta-blocker (propranolol, timolol), steroid (prednisolone), diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), anti-asthma (theophylline).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, difficulty in urination, heart problems, seizures, gastrointestinal obstruction, hypertension, myasthenia gravis, or infectious diarrhoea.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are advised not to consume alcohol while taking Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol as it might cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionGlycopyrrolate+indacaterol belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionGlycopyrrolate+indacaterol may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment/liver disease or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeGlycopyrrolate+indacaterol is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system.
- Avoid foods such as cabbage, beans, garlic, onions, shrimp, pickled food, dried fruits, fried foods, carbonated drinks, wine, bottled lemon and lime juice, as it may worsen symptoms.
- Do meditation, deep breathing, regular exercise and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to get relief from stress and reduce the risk of an attack.
- Quit smoking as it may irritate the lungs and worsen breathing problems.
- Learn breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing. It helps provide relief from COPD.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases with emphysema (shortness of breath) and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes). The major cause of COPD is smoking tobacco. Also, long-term exposure to fumes and chemicals may lead to COPD. The symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath or wheezing (whistle sound while breathing).
FAQs
Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol contains Indacaterol and Glycopyrrolate. Indacaterol relaxes and widens the openings in the airways, making it easier for the air to get in and out of the lungs. Glycopyrrolate decreases the secretions in the airways. Together, Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol provides relief from COPD.
Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol is indicated for the maintenance treatment for COPD. It does not treat a sudden attack of wheezing or breathlessness. Use a rescue inhaler to treat sudden breathing problems.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Do not stop taking Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol on your own as it might cause worsening of symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Talk to your doctor if your breathing problems, wheezing, or cough do not improve or worsen.
No, Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol is not indicated for the treatment of asthma as the safety and effectiveness of Glycopyrrolate+indacaterol in patients with asthma have not been established. Consult your doctor if you have asthma.
