Maxair (Pirbuterol) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Maxair

Asthma »

Myths, facts, and statistics about asthma

Before we present the typical symptoms of asthma, we should dispel some common myths about this condition. This is best achieved by conducting a short true or false quiz.

T or F - Asthma is "all in the mind."
T or F - You will "grow out of it."
T or F - Asthma can be cured, so it is not serious and nobody dies from it.
T or F - You are likely to develop asthma if someone in your family has it.
T or F - You can "catch" asthma from someone else who has it.
T or F - Moving to a different location, such as the desert, can cure asthma.
T or F - People with asthma should not exercise.
T or F - Asthma is best controlled when one has an asthma management plan designed by your doctor. This should include the medications used for quick relief as well as maintenance therapy.
T or F - Medications used to treat asthma are habit...

Read the Asthma article »

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MAXAIR® AUTOHALER®
(pirbuterol acetate) Inhalation Aerosol

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The active component of MAXAIR AUTOHALER (pirbuterol acetate) is (R,S)α⁶-{[(1,1-dimethylethyl) amino]methyl}-3-hydroxy-2,6-pyridinedimethanol monoacetate salt, a beta-2 adrenergic bronchodilator, having the following chemical structure:

MAXAIR® AUTOHALER®
(pirbuterol acetate) Structural Formula Illustration

Pirbuterol acetate is a white, crystalline racemic mixture of two optically active isomers. It is a powder, freely soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 300.3 and empirical formula of C₁₂H₂₀N₂O₃•C₂H₄O₂.

MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation. It provides a fine-particle suspension of pirbuterol acetate in the propellant mixture of trichloromono fluoromethane and dichlorodifluoromethane, with sorbitan trioleate. Each actuation delivers 253 mcg of pirbuterol (as pirbuterol acetate) from the valve and 200 mcg of pirbuterol (as pirbuterol acetate) from the mouthpiece. The unit is breath-actuated such that the medication is delivered automatically during inspiration without the need for the patient to coordinate actuation with inspiration. Each 14.0 g canister provides 400 inhalations and each 2.8 g canister provides 80 inhalations.

As with all aerosol medications, it is recommended to prime (test) MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER before using for the first time. MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER should also be primed if it has not been used in 48 hours. As described in the priming procedure, use the test fire slide to release two priming sprays into the air away from yourself and other people. (See "Patient's Instructions For Use" portion of this package insert.)

What are the possible side effects of pirbuterol inhalation (Maxair, Maxair Autohaler)?

Stop using pirbuterol and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use pirbuterol inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience