Maxair Dosage

For most people, the Maxair dosage for preventing or treating an asthma attack is two sprays. However, for some people, only one spray is needed to control the symptoms of asthma. You should not use more than 12 inhalations in one day. Some of the factors that can affect Maxair dosing include whether you use Maxair to treat or prevent asthma attacks, the severity of your asthma or other respiratory problems, and other drugs you may be taking.

 

An Introduction to Maxair Dosage

The dose of Maxair® (pirbuterol acetate) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Whether you use Maxair 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 Maxair dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
Maxair Dosing for Asthma
To treat or prevent an asthma attack, the recommended Maxair dosage is two sprays of Maxair 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 Maxair asthma inhaler more often than prescribed, talk with your healthcare provider about adding an additional asthma medication. Do not use more than 12 Maxair inhalations per day.
 
If Maxair is not adequately controlling an asthma attack, seek medical attention immediately, as this may be an emergency.
 

General Information on Dosing With Maxair

Following are some considerations for people taking Maxair:
 
  • Maxair 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 Maxair inhaler easier to use, compared to traditional inhalers.
     
  • Some people take Maxair only when they need it (during an asthma attack), while others take it regularly to help prevent attacks.
     
  • Shake your Maxair asthma inhaler gently before each use.
     
  • Wait at least one minute in between inhalations.
     
  • It is important to learn exactly how to use your Maxair 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 Maxair asthma inhaler on hand (and that your Maxair 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 Maxair 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;