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MAXAIR AUTOHALER

(MANUFACTURER: 3M) [MAX-air]

GENERIC NAME:
  Pirbuterol [peer-Byoo-ter-ole]
TYPE OF MEDICATION USE:
  A bronchodilator
Quick short acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist agent rescue treatment for acute asthma exacerbations
This is a reliever medication/rescue medication (See Asthma Manual)
Quick relief of chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough and/or wheeze associated with acute exacerbations of asthma
PHARMACY FACTS:
  Comes in a unique dispensing device allowing the inhalation effort to trigger the meter dose inhaler to release medication
Pirbuterol is similar to other short acting bronchodilators such as albuterol
Relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by action on beta-2 adrenergic receptors
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
  Hypersensitivity to pirbuterol
USE CAUTIOUSLY IN THE FOLLOWING DISORDERS:
 

Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus and/or cardiovascular disorders including coronary insufficiency, hypertension and sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines
Overuse of bronchodilators can lead to a severe asthma attack and has been linked to fatalities

SIDE EFFECTS:
Greater than 10%: CNS: Nervousness, restlessness
Neuromuscular/Skeletal: Trembling
1% to 10%:

CNS: Headache, dizziness, insomnia
GI: Taste changes, vomiting, nausea

Less
than 1%:
Anorexia, angina, arrhythmia, bruising, chest pain, hypertension, insomnia, numbness in hands, bronchospasm, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and weakness
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
 

Decreased therapeutic effect when used in combination with beta-blockers Increased toxicity when used in combination with other beta agonists, MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.

DOSAGE:
  Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1 to 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours, as needed for treatment of acute symptoms of asthma, not to exceed 12 inhalations in a 24-hour period
SPECIAL ADMINISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  The Autohaler is a unique breath-activated inhaler, which minimizes the need for breath coordination. To properly use the Autohaler, the cap must first be removed and the unit held in the hand so as not to obstruct the vents on the bottom of the unit. The lever at the top of the unit is then raised to an upright position, and the unit is shaken vigorously. After expelling a full breath from the lungs, the inhaler is placed in the mouth, sealed by the lips, and a rapid, forceful inhalation is performed. During the inhalation, the inhaler delivers one dose of the medication with no requirement for direct activation by the patient. Following completion of the dose, the lever at that top of the unit is again placed in a horizontal position. If a second dose is required, the lever is again placed in the upright position, and the same steps are performed as previously noted. If the unit is to be stored, the lever at the top of the unit is to remain in the horizontal position.
PREGNANCY CATEGORY: C
MOST ECONOMICAL:
NOTES:
  Maxair Autohaler is the easiest inhaler to use for those with difficulty with hand-breath coordination or other technique problems. Call a physician and/or proceed to the emergency room immediately if chest symptoms are not relieved with the inhalation of the Maxair Autohaler.