Brand Name (s): Brethine; Bricanyl
Generic Name: Terbutaline

Terbutaline. Common Uses.

Terbutaline is used to relieve and prevent attacks of asthma, including exercise-induced asthma. Terbutaline also can be helpful in patients with emphysema and chronic bronchitis when symptoms are partially caused by spasm of the muscles of the air passages. Terbutaline also is used for delaying premature labor by relaxing the uterine muscles that are responsible for expelling the fetus at delivery. The inhaled form of terbutaline starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.

Terbutaline. How to Take.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Adults and children older than 15 should not take more than 15 milligrams daily. Children aged 12-15 should not take more than 7.5 milligrams daily. For children under 12, follow the doctor's directions for daily limits.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take more of this medication or take it more often than recommended by your doctor. If you have been directed to use this medication on a daily schedule, use it regularly at the same times each day in order to get the most benefit from it.

If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly take this medication with your other asthma medicines.

If you notice less effect than usual from this medication, if your symptoms get worse, or if you feel you need to take any of your asthma medications more often than recommended, seek immediate medical attention.

Terbutaline. Warning and Precautions.

Before taking terbutaline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, metaproterenol, salmeterol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., abnormal heartbeat, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure), seizures, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, low blood potassium level (hypokalemia).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

The elderly may be at greater risk for the effects on the heart while using this drug.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. The manufacturer does not recommend use of this drug for early labor or during labor due to the risk of serious side effects to the mother/newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Terbutaline passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Terbutaline. Missed Dose.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Terbutaline. Overdose.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual dizziness, dry mouth, severe headache, seizures, very fast heartbeat, severe nausea.

Terbutaline. Storage.

Tablets and inhaler should be stored between 2° (36°F) and 30°C (86°F) in a dry place.

Terbutaline. Possible Side Effects.

Nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, drowsiness or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, muscle cramps, weakness.

Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: seizures.

Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information about Terbutaline.

Terbutaline may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Terbutaline with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

If your breathing problems do not improve or if they get worse after using Terbutaline , contact your doctor immediately.

Diabetes patients - Terbutaline may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Terbutaline if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) or a tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline) within the last 2 weeks. The effects of these medicines are long lasting and may still interact with Terbutaline.

Terbutaline should not be used in childrenyounger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Terbutaline while you are pregnant. It is not known if Terbutaline is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Terbutaline , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Disclaimer.

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information . It is not containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.