Pirbuterol (Maxair) Drug for Asthma: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Pirbuterol
(Maxair, United States and Canada)

Use:

Pirbuterol or Maxair is used to open bronchial passages making breathing easier in such conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

How It Works:

Pirbuterol or Maxair works like salbutamol or albuterol in that it stimulates receptor sites in the lung's bronchial tubes known as beta-2 sites. This stimulation relaxes the bronchial passages and makes breathing easier.
In contrast with salbutamol, Pirbuterol or Maxair starts working within 5 minutes and lasts for about 5 hours. It also is packaged in a new inhalation device that some people find easier to use.

Side Effects:

The most common side effects are nervousness and tremor. Overuse of Pirbuterol or Maxair can cause heart beat irregularities.

Cautions for People:

People should not overuse Pirbuterol or Maxair because of potentially fatal heart complications. If someone is using a greater than prescribed dose, or if they are finding no relief with Pirbuterol or Maxair, their condition should be investigated further.
People with heart conditions should use Pirbuterol or Maxair with caution.
Proper technique is required with all inhalers.

Drug Interactions:

Pirbuterol or Maxair in combination with other inhalers that open bronchial airways, can result in an increased incidence of side effects.

Further Reading:

Drugs 1985;30:6
Br Med J 1990;301:797

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.