Is Maxair (pirbuterol) still available?

No, Maxair (pirbuterol) has been [discontinued](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=overview.process&ApplNo=019009) and is no longer available in the United States.

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)](https://www.goodrx.com/albuterol/what-is) and [levalbuterol (Xopenex)](https://www.goodrx.com/levalbuterol/what-is) 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.

Maxair Autohaler

Q: 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.

Q: Why was Maxair (pirbuterol) discontinued?

Maxair (pirbuterol) was discontinued, because the [FDA made a ruling in 2010](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/phase-out-cfc-metered-dose-inhalers-containing-flunisolide-triamcinolone-metaproterenol-pirbuterol-0) 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](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/phase-out-maxair-autohaler-questions-and-answers).

pirbuterol

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:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 5, 2022

What is Maxair (pirbuterol)?

What is Maxair (pirbuterol) used for?

Asthma

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

Drug facts

Common Brands	Maxair(brand no longer available)
Drug Class	SABA
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Discontinued

Common Brands

Maxair(brand no longer available)

Drug Class

SABA

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Discontinued

Common questions about Maxair Autohaler

Maxair Autohaler 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.

No, Maxair Autohaler has been discontinued and is no longer available in the United States.

Maxair Autohaler 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 Autohaler was no longer allowed to be made or sold after 2013.

There are other similar medications to Maxair Autohaler that can be used to treat asthma flare-ups. Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin) and levalbuterol (Xopenex) are both in the same medication class as Maxair Autohaler. 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.

Maxair (pirbuterol) dosage

Typical dosage for Maxair (pirbuterol)

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.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

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

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

$10.38Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

Used for:

Treat or prevent tightening of airways in adults and children 4 years and older with certain breathing problems, such as asthma

$19.50Lowest GoodRx priceView prices

What is Maxair (pirbuterol)?

What is Maxair (pirbuterol) used for?

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

Drug facts

Common questions about Maxair Autohaler

What is Maxair Autohaler?

Is Maxair Autohaler still available?

Why was Maxair Autohaler discontinued?

What can I use instead of Maxair Autohaler?

Maxair (pirbuterol) dosage

Typical dosage for Maxair (pirbuterol)

Interactions between Maxair (pirbuterol) and other drugs

What are alternatives to Maxair (pirbuterol)?

Common questions about Maxair Autohaler

What is Maxair Autohaler?

Is Maxair Autohaler still available?

Why was Maxair Autohaler discontinued?

What can I use instead of Maxair Autohaler?