Dosing and uses of Maxair (pirbuterol)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
metered dose inhaler
- 200mcg/actuation (14g canister; ~400 actuations)
Asthma Maintenance Treatment
1-2 actuations q4-6hr PRN; not to exceed 12 actuations/day
CFC-propelled MDIs are being phased out; Maxair will not be manufactured, sold, or dispensed in the US after 12/31/13
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
metered dose inhaler
- 200mcg/actuation (14g canister; ~400 actuations)
Asthma Maintenance Treatment
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
>12 years: As adults; 1-2 actuations q4-6hr PRN; not to exceed 12 actuations/day
CFC-propelled MDIs are being phased out; Maxair will not be manufactured, sold, or dispensed in the US after 12/31/13
Maxair (pirbuterol) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Nervousness
Restlessness
Serum glucose increased
Serum potassium decreased
Trembling
Palpitations
Tachycardia
CoughHeadache
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Taste changes
Vomiting
Nausea
Paradoxical bronchospasm
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
Risk of hypokalemia, usually transient
Metered-dose inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are currently being phased out in the United States; alternate inhalers without CFCs are available
Use caution in cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, hypokalemia, and seizure disorders
May increase serum glucose; use caution in diabetes mellitus
Fatal outcomes reported with excessive use of therapy
Not for use in chronic asthma therapy unless anti-inflammatory agent use concomitantly
Paradoxical bronchospasm may occur with therapy
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; not recommended
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Maxair (pirbuterol)
Mechanism of action
Beta-2 receptor agonist with some beta-1 activity
Pharmacokinetics
Half-Life: 2 hr
Onset: <5 min; 0.5-1 hr (peak effect)
Duration: 5 hr
Metabolism: Hepatic
Excretion: Urine (10%)
