What is the active ingredient of Anoro (Umeclidinium/Vilanterol)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 9, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Anoro Ellipta contains two active ingredients: umeclidinium and vilanterol, which work together to improve breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The medication umeclidinium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that relaxes the muscles around the airways, while vilanterol is a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that helps open the airways 1. Some of the key points about these ingredients include:

  • Umeclidinium and vilanterol are both once-daily long-acting agents that offer the potential adherence and therapeutic advantage of once-daily therapy.
  • The combination of vilanterol and umeclidinium was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for COPD as once-daily combination bronchodilator therapy, as mentioned in the study published in Chest 1.
  • This dual mechanism of action provides better bronchodilation than either medication alone, making it effective for maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in COPD patients.
  • It's essential to use this medication regularly as prescribed, even when feeling well, and to avoid using it for acute breathing problems or asthma attacks as it's not intended for rescue therapy.

From the FDA Drug Label

Active ingredients: umeclidinium, vilanterol The active ingredients of Anoro Ellipta are umeclidinium and vilanterol 2.

From the Research

Active Ingredients of Anoro

  • The active ingredients of Anoro are umeclidinium and vilanterol, which are a long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist and a long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist, respectively 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Mechanism of Action

  • Umeclidinium works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes airway smooth muscle contraction, while vilanterol works by stimulating the β2-adrenergic receptors, leading to bronchodilation 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Dosage and Administration

  • Anoro is administered once daily using the Ellipta multi-dose dry powder inhaler, with a delivered dose of 55/22 μg once daily 3.

Efficacy and Safety

  • Studies have shown that umeclidinium/vilanterol is effective and well-tolerated in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving pulmonary function, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life, while reducing the risk of exacerbations and adverse events 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.