Pirbuterol is a prescription drug that is licensed to treat bronchospasms in people with asthma or COPD. This eMedTV page offers an overview of pirbuterol uses, dosing, side effects, and overdose symptoms.
Some common side effects of pirbuterol include dizziness, nervousness, and headaches. This eMedTV segment also lists uncommon pirbuterol side effects (such as insomnia) and side effects to report to your doctor (such as high or low blood pressure).
What is pirbuterol used for? As this eMedTV article explains, pirbuterol can be used to both treat and prevent asthma attacks in adults and children ages 12 and over. Preventing exercise-induced asthma is among the off-label uses for pirbuterol.
The recommended pirbuterol dose for treating or preventing an asthma attack is two sprays as needed. This eMedTV page discusses factors that can affect pirbuterol dosing (like other drugs you're taking), as well as some general tips on taking the drug.
Diuretics, beta blockers, and MAOIs are among the drugs that can potentially interact with pirbuterol. This eMedTV article lists other drugs that can lead to drug interactions with pirbuterol and describes the problems that may result.
Before using pirbuterol, you should let your doctor know if you have diabetes, epilepsy, or any allergies. This eMedTV resource describes other precautions and warnings with pirbuterol, such as the safety of taking the drug while pregnant or nursing.
