In this article we will review the role of long acting beta2-adrenoreceptor agonists and long-acting muscarinic agents in the management of airflow obstruction. We will then focus our attention on indacaterol, one of the new once daily inhaled beta2-adrenoreceptor agonists. Pharmacologically this drug is a nearly full beta2-agonist without loss of efficacy after prolonged administration. We will also discuss its dosing, safety and tolerability.
Keywords: Indacaterol; activity profile; safety.; tachyphylaxis.