List of products in the National Drug Code with proprietary name . Indacaterol is used to treat trouble breathing and wheezing due to a certain ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema). It is used if your breathing problems are not controlled with other medication (such as a quick-relief inhaler). Indacaterol belongs to the class of drugs known as long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). Indacaterol 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. This medication should not be used for severe/sudden breathing problems. Other medications, such as a quick-relief inhaler should be used instead of indacaterol for sudden breathing problems. This medication is not a substitute for corticosteroids (such as beclomethasone, fluticasone, prednisone). Indacaterol is not approved to treat asthma. People with asthma using long-acting inhaled beta agonists (such as indacaterol) without also using an inhaled corticosteroid may have an increased risk of serious (sometimes fatal) breathing problems.