ICS/LABA
Medical abbreviation · Drug Class
| Stands for | Inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist combination |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ICS/LABA stands for Inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist combination, a drug class abbreviation.
Combination inhalers containing an anti-inflammatory steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator, such as fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair), budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort) and fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (Breo). They are maintenance therapy for asthma and some COPD.
Example: Step up to ICS/LABA budesonide-formoterol 160/4.5, 2 puffs BID.
Usage notes
LABAs must never be used alone in asthma because of a higher risk of severe attacks; combining them with an ICS removes that risk, and the FDA lifted the boxed warning on combination inhalers in 2017. Rinsing the mouth after use prevents oral thrush.
Related abbreviations
More drug class abbreviations
- GnRHa – Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist
- GPI – Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor
- H2RA – Histamine-2 receptor antagonist
- HRT – Hormone replacement therapy
- ICI – Immune checkpoint inhibitor
- ICS – Inhaled corticosteroid
- IMiD – Immunomodulatory imide drug
- INCS – Intranasal corticosteroids
- INSTI – Integrase strand transfer inhibitor
- JAKi – Janus kinase inhibitor
- LABA – Long-acting beta2-agonist
- LABA/LAMA – Long-acting beta-agonist and long-acting muscarinic antagonist…
See all 113 drug class abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.