Pirbuterol Dosing

For the treatment or prevention of an asthma attack, the recommended pirbuterol dosage is two sprays, as frequently as every four to six hours. You should not use more than 12 inhalations each day. Among the factors that can affect pirbuterol dosing are the severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems and other drugs you may be currently taking. You should not adjust your dose of pirbuterol unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

 

An Introduction to Pirbuterol Dosing

The dose of pirbuterol acetate (Maxair®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Whether you use pirbuterol to treat or prevent asthma attacks
  • The severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your pirbuterol dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Pirbuterol Dosing for Asthma
To treat or prevent an asthma attack, the recommended pirbuterol dose is two sprays of pirbuterol as needed, as frequently as every four to six hours. For some people, only one spray will be needed to control asthma symptoms. If you need to use your pirbuterol asthma inhaler more often than prescribed, talk with your healthcare provider about adding an additional asthma medication. Do not use more than 12 pirbuterol inhalations per day.
 
If pirbuterol is not adequately controlling an asthma attack, seek medical attention immediately, as this may be an emergency.
 

General Information on Pirbuterol Dosing

Following are some considerations for people taking pirbuterol:
 
  • Pirbuterol comes in a special inhaler called the Maxair Autohaler®. This inhaler is different from traditional inhalers, as it does not release the medication until you inhale through the mouthpiece of the inhaler. This may make the pirbuterol inhaler easier to use, compared to traditional inhalers.
     
  • Some people take pirbuterol only when they need it (during an asthma attack), while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks.
     
  • Shake your pirbuterol asthma inhaler gently before each use.
     
  • Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
     
  • It is important to learn exactly how to use your pirbuterol inhaler. It may be difficult at first and may require practice.
     
  • Each inhaler contains 400 sprays. Try to keep track of approximately how many sprays you have used in order to know when to replace the inhaler. Do not place the inhaler in water to see if it is empty (although it was recommended to do so in the past).
     
  • Be sure that you always have a pirbuterol asthma inhaler on hand (and that your pirbuterol prescription has refills), as failing to treat an asthma attack can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your dosage or pirbuterol dosing in general, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;