Home Drug Guide Pirbuterol Acetate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Pirbuterol Acetate

Brand Names Maxair

Classification

Therapeutic: Bronchodilator for asthma and COPD

Pharmacological: Beta2-adrenergic agonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Relief of bronchospasm in patients with reversible airway obstruction due to asthma or COPD

Mechanism of Action

Pirbuterol binds to beta2-adrenergic receptors on airway smooth muscle, leading to relaxation of bronchial muscles and bronchodilation.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Inhalation of 400 mcg (two inhalations) every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 12 inhalations per 24 hours.

Pediatric: Typically 200 mcg (one inhalation) three to four times daily; use with caution and under medical supervision.

Geriatric: Adjust doses based on individual response and tolerability, usual adult dosing applies.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment known; use cautiously.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment indicated.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid absorption via inhalation.

Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues; minimal plasma protein binding data available.

Metabolism: Minimal systemic metabolism; primarily excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via urine.

Half Life: Approximately 5-6 hours.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to pirbuterol or other beta-agonists.
  • Tachyarrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation or flutter.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders (e.g., hypertension, ischemic heart disease).
  • Monitor for paradoxical bronchospasm.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Tremor (Common)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Nervousness (Common)
  • Throat irritation (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Cardiac arrhythmias (Rare)
  • Paradoxical bronchospasm (Rare)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other beta-adrenergic agonists, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Use cautiously with other sympathomimetic agents.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor lung function (e.g., peak expiratory flow), assess for adverse effects.

Diagnoses:

  • Ineffective airway clearance
  • Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements (if side effects occur)

Implementation: Administer via inhalation device as prescribed, instruct on proper inhaler technique.

Evaluation: Assess improvement in symptoms and lung function; monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use inhaler exactly as prescribed.
  • Notify healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or adverse effects occur.
  • Carry inhaler at all times for emergency use.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for severe bronchospasm if used improperly.

Genetic Factors: No major genetic considerations.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe tachycardia, hypertension, hypokalemia, chest pain.

Treatment: Supportive care, monitoring, and possibly administering beta-blockers if appropriate (with caution).

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.