Maxair (Pirbuterol) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Maxair

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease »

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised primarily of three related conditions - chronic bronchitis, chronic asthma, and emphysema. In each condition there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and may be progressive over time.

While asthma features obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, usually, the obstruction is reversible. Between "attacks" of asthma the flow of air through the airways typically is normal. These patients do not have COPD. However, if asthma is left untreated, the chronic inflammation associated with this disease can cause the airway obstruction to become fixed. That is, between attacks, the asthmatic patient may then have abnormal air flow. This process is referred to as lung remodeling. These asthma patients with a fixed component of airway obstruction are also considered to have COPD.

Often patien...

Read the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease article »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

The action of MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER should last up to five hours or longer. MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER should not be used more frequently than recommended. Do not increase the dose or frequency of MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER without consulting your physician. If you find that treatment with MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER becomes less effective for symptomatic relief, or your symptoms become worse, and/or you need to use the product more frequently than usual, you should seek medical attention immediately. While you are using MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER, other inhaled drugs and asthma medications should betaken only as directed by yourphysician. Common adverse effects include palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor or nervousness. If you are pregnant or nursing, contact your physician about use of MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER. Effective and safe use includes an understanding of the way themedication should be administered. 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.) The MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER actuator should notbe used with anyother inhalation aerosol canister. In addition, canisters for use with MAXAIR (pirbuterol) AUTOHALER should not be utilized with any other actuator.

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/24/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.