Pirbuterol Acetate Description

Generic Name : PIRBUTEROL ACETATE

Pronunciation : (peer byoo' ter ole)

Trade Name(s) :

Why it is prescribed: Pirbuterol, a bronchodilator, relaxes and opens the air passages to the lungs, making it easier to breathe. It is used to prevent and relieve bronchospasm and troubled breathing caused by asthma and other lung diseases.

When it is to be taken: Pirbuterol usually is used every four to six hours. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Pirbuterol begins to work within five minutes and goes on working for five hours or longer.

How it should be taken:
1. Pirbuterol comes as an aerosol for oral inhalation with a special inhaler. Your prescription label tells you how many inhalations to take at each dose.
2. Before you take pirbuterol by inhalation, read the written instructions that come with it.
3. Ask your doctor, to demonstrate the proper technique, and practice using your inhaler while in his or her presence.
4. If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer may help.
5. If you have used the inhaler as directed and still cannot breathe freely, contact your doctor.

Special Instruction :
1. Once a day, remove the metal container from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.
2. Do not use this medication more often or take more inhalations at each dose than as directed. Do not inhale more than 12 inhalations in 24 hours.
3. Increasing your dose can be dangerous. If this medication loses its effectiveness or if your condition worsens, contact your doctor immediately. 4. If you are taking this drug on a regular schedule and forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are scheduled to take the next one, take only one dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Nervousness, tremors, headache, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or persist.
2. Chest pain or tightness, palpitations, fast heartbeat. Contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Before using pirbuterol, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially asthma medications, medication for depression, and MAO inhibitors.
3. Before taking pirbuterol, tell your doctor your entire medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or epilepsy.
4. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from heat or an open flame.
3. Do not discard it in a fire or incinerator.
4. Avoid puncturing the aerosol container.