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Olodaterol

Pronounced

"OH-loe-DA-ter-ol"

Uses

Olodaterol is used as a long-term (maintenance) treatment to prevent and decrease wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Olodaterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). Olodaterol is also known as a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

This medication does not work right away and should not be used for sudden attacks of breathing trouble. Your doctor must prescribe a quick-relief medicine/inhaler (such as albuterol, also known as salbutamol) for sudden shortness of breath while you are using olodaterol. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you.

Olodaterol is not approved to treat asthma. People with asthma using long-acting inhaled beta agonists (such as olodaterol) without also using an inhaled corticosteroid may have an increased risk of serious (sometimes fatal) breathing problems.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow the instructions for priming the inhaler if you are using it for the first time, or if you have not used it for a long time (such as more than 3 days or 21 days). When priming the inhaler, make sure to spray toward the ground (away from the face) so that you do not get the medication into your eyes.

Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Wait at least 1 minute between each inhalation.

If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.

Do not use more of this medication or use it more often than prescribed since this may cause serious side effects. Do not use more than 2 inhalations of olodaterol a day.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

If you have been using a quick-relief inhaler (albuterol, salbutamol) on a regular daily schedule (such as 4 times daily), your doctor will direct you to stop this schedule and only use the quick-relief inhaler as needed for sudden shortness of breath. Consult your doctor for details.

Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often, or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

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Information expires December 2025.