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GENERIC NAME: PIRBUTEROL - BREATH ACTIVATED AEROSOL INHALER (purr-BYOU-turr-ohl)

BRAND NAME(S): Maxair Autohaler

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This drug relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and dilates airways to improve breathing. It is used in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The inhaler enables the drug to reach deep into the lungs for maximum benefit.

HOW TO USE: This medicine comes in an inhaler that automatically releases a puff of medicine when you inhale. It comes with step-by-step illustrated directions for use. These are available from your pharmacist. Because this type of inhaler is used differently from other types, be sure to follow directions closely. If more than one inhalation is prescribed, wait at least one full minute between inhalations. Rinse mouth after using this to help prevent dryness and throat irritation. Use this medication as directed. Do not increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed. Excessive use may lead to a loss of effectiveness while increasing the chance for side effects. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor. If you find yourself using this more than usual, or your symptoms do not improve or worsen after using this, contact your doctor immediately.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, irritated throat, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, trembling, and sweating may occur but should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, rapid heartbeat. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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pirbuterol-breath activated aerosol inhaler, Maxair Autohaler

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is comprised primarily of two related diseases - chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In both diseases, there is chronic obstruction of the flow of air through the airways and out of the lungs, and the obstruction generally is permanent and progressive over time.

Asthma also is a pulmonary disease in which there is obstruction to the flow of air out of the lungs, but unlike chronic bronchitis and emphysema, the obstruction in asthma usually is reversible. Between "attacks" of asthma the flow of air through the airways usually is good.

There are exceptions, however. In some patients with COPD the obstruction can be partially reversed by medications that enlarge or dilate the airways (bronchodilators) as with asthma. Conversely, some patients with asthma can develop permanent airway obstruction if chronic inflammation of the airways leads to scarring and narrowing of the airway...

Read the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease article »



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