Maxair Autohaler

What is Maxair Autohaler?

Maxair Autohaler (pirbuterol) is a bronchodilator (beta-2 receptor agonist). It is a pressurized metered-dose aerosol unit for oral inhalation.

What is Maxair Autohaler used for?

Maxair Autohaler is indicated for the treatment for shortness of breath and wheezing. They generally occur along with lung problems such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Therefore, it can be said that the medicine helps treat asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis.

How does Maxair Autohaler work?

Maxair Autohaler works by opening the breathing passages to improve breathing. As this medicine comes in the form of an inhaler, it releases a puff of medicine automatically, when it is inhaled. The inhaler makes the drug reach the lungs.

How to use Maxair Autohaler

Use Maxair Autohaler in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Read the instruction leaflet very carefully before taking the drug. Do not take the medicine for longer period or in larger amount than prescribed.

Shake the canister well before use. The mouth piece should be cleaned properly. It is to be inhaled by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours.

Take off the cap of the mouthpiece, prepare the inhaler as mentioned, place it near the mouth and breathe in deeply. You should hold the breath for 10 seconds so that the drug is absorbed. If you are prescribed to inhale again, then there should be a gap of at least 1 minute. Rinse your mouth after inhalation, to prevent throat irritation and dryness.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Maxair Autohaler warnings and precautions

Do not take Maxair Autohaler if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Before using Maxair Autohaler tell your doctor if you are suffering from kidney or liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, low potassium levels or an overactive thyroid.

Elderly are more sensitive to the medicine and may have more impact on their heart. Therefore, it is advisable that you contact a doctor, in such a case.

Limit the use of alcohol. Also, avoid activities that require alertness as it may cause dizziness.

Pregnant and lactating women are advised to take this medicine only after taking doctor’s permission.

What do I do if I have missed a Maxair Autohaler dose?

If you have missed a Maxair Autohaler dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Maxair Autohaler overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Maxair Autohaler, consult your doctor right away.

Maxair Autohaler interactions

Some drugs are known to interact with Maxair Autohaler when used in tandem with it. These include beta blockers such as metaprolol, atenolol, or propranolol, acebutol, carteolol, bisoprolol, lebetalol, carvedilol, pindolol and nadolol; antidepressants such as doxepin, amitriptyline  or nortriptyline; tricyclic antidepressants such as amoxapine, desipramine, clomipramine, protriptyline and imipramine.

Also use of drugs such as diet pills, decongestants, other inhalers, bronchodilators like bitolterol, albuterol, isoetharine, metaproterenol, isoproterenol, terbutaline or salmeterol, MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor like tranylcypromine, phenelzine, or isocarboxabide.

Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs that you are taking, before using Maxair Autohaler. Also, tell him about any herbal medicines, or mineral or vitamin supplements that you have been using.

Do not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Maxair Autohaler side effects

Side effects from Maxair Autohaler include hives, breathing trouble, swelling on the face, throat, lips or tongue; irregular heartbeats, or chest pain. If you experience any of these side effects after using Maxair Autohaler, contact your doctor.

Dizziness, headache, insomnia, vomiting, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, nervousness, diarrhea or dry throat are some less serious side effects of Maxair Autohaler.