Maxair (Pirbuterol) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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.

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Maxair Patient Information including How Should I Take

Who should not use pirbuterol inhalation (Maxair)?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have

heart disease or high blood pressure,
epilepsy or another seizure disorder,
diabetes,
an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or
any type of liver or kidney disease.

You may require a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy with pirbuterol if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pirbuterol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pirbuterol inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether pirbuterol passes into breast milk. Do not use pirbuterol inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Pirbuterol inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I use pirbuterol inhalation (Maxair)?

Take pirbuterol inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully and place your lips around the mouthpiece. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for several seconds, then exhale slowly.

The Autohaler releases the correct amount of drug. The force of your inhalation will trigger the release. You do not have to press down on a canister. Follow the instructions that accompany your inhaler.

If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.

Rinse your mouth after each use of the inhaler.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use your pirbuterol inhaler first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

It is very important that you use your pirbuterol inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with your inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Keep your inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. Clean your inhaler once a day by removing the canister and mouthpiece and immersing it in warm water or alcohol. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

Carry your inhaler with you at all times in case of emergencies. Get a refill before you run out of medicine and before going on vacation.

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