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Maxair Autohaler

pirbuterol
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma

Maxair (pirbuterol) is an inhaler used to treat shortness of breath or wheezing in people with asthma. This medication has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 5, 2022
BasicsFAQsInteractionsAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Maxair (pirbuterol)?

What is Maxair (pirbuterol) used for?

  • Asthma

How Maxair (pirbuterol) works

Are you looking for information on albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMaxair (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassSABA
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityDiscontinued
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Maxair (pirbuterol)

What is Maxair (pirbuterol)?
Maxair (pirbuterol) is a short-acting, beta-agonist (SABA) medication. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways. This helps relieve the symptoms of an asthma flare-up and helps you breathe easier. The typical dose is 1 to 2 puffs inhaled by mouth every 4 to 6 hours, and no more than 12 puffs per day. It was only approved to be used in adults and children 12 years or older.
Is Maxair (pirbuterol) still available?
No, Maxair (pirbuterol) has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.
Why was Maxair (pirbuterol) discontinued?
Maxair (pirbuterol) was discontinued, because the FDA made a ruling in 2010 to phase out inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs were used in inhalers to help spray the medication out so it could be breathed into the lungs. These substances are harmful to the environment, which is why they are no longer allowed to be used. The FDA announced that Maxair (pirbuterol) was no longer allowed to be made or sold after 2013.
What can I use instead of Maxair (pirbuterol)?
There are other similar medications to Maxair (pirbuterol) that can be used to treat asthma flare-ups. Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) and levalbuterol (Xopenex) are both in the same medication class as Maxair (pirbuterol). They come as inhalers, as well as solutions that are used with a nebulizer machine. There are many different treatment options for asthma. Talk to your provider about the medication that's best for you.
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interactions

Interactions between Maxair (pirbuterol) and other drugs

Maxair (pirbuterol) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Maxair (pirbuterol). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Methacholine
alternatives

What are alternatives to Maxair (pirbuterol)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Maxair (pirbuterol). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Maxair (pirbuterol)
Used for:

  • Asthma

View Prices
Albuterol
Used for:

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

$28.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)
Used for:

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)

$58.16 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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