Generic Name: terbutaline (oral) (ter BYOO ta leen)
Brand Names: Brethine, Bricanyl
What is terbutaline?
Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. Terbutaline works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
Terbutaline is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
Terbutaline may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about terbutaline?
Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking terbutaline?
Before taking terbutaline, tell your doctor if you have
heart disease or high blood pressure;
epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
diabetes;
an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
You may not be able to take terbutaline or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Terbutaline is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that terbutaline is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take terbutaline without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Terbutaline passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take terbutaline without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take terbutaline?
Take terbutaline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
It is important to take terbutaline regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not take terbutaline more often or in larger doses than is prescribed by your doctor. Taking more medication than is prescribed could be dangerous. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Your doctor may want you to have lung function tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with terbutaline to monitor progress and side effects.
Store terbutaline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Terbutaline dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a terbutaline overdose may include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking terbutaline?
Avoid situations that may worsen your respiratory condition such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.
Terbutaline side effects
Stop taking terbutaline and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take terbutaline and talk to your doctor if you experience
headache;
dizziness or lightheadedness;
insomnia;
tremor or nervousness;
sweating;
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Terbutaline Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:
Tablets: 5 mg orally 3 times a day at 6 hour intervals during waking hours. May decrease to 2.5 mg/dose if side effects are pronounced. Do not exceed 15 mg in 24 hours.
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.
Usual Adult Dose for Premature Labor:
Tablets: 2.5 to 7.5 mg orally every 6 hours. Therapy should be continued until 36 to 37 weeks gestation.
Continuous intravenous infusion: 10 to 25 mcg/min. Therapy should be continued until labor has been arrested. Maximum dose 80 mcg/min.
Subcutaneous injection: 0.25 mg every 6 hours. Subcutaneous therapy should be continued until labor has been arrested.
Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Acute:
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.
Subcutaneous Injection: 0.25 mg into the lateral deltoid area. A second 0.25 mg dose can be administered in 15 to 30 minutes if needed. Do not exceed 0.5 mg in 4 hours.
Continuous intravenous infusion: 0.08 to 6 mcg/kg/min.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Acute:
Subcutaneous Injection: 0.005 to 0.01 mg/kg/dose to a maximum dose of 0.4 mg every 15 to 20 minutes for 2 doses.
Nebulization: 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg/dose with a minimum dose of 0.1 mg; maximum dose is 2.5 mg diluted with 1 to 2 mL of normal saline every 4 to 6 hours.
Continuous intravenous infusion: 0.08 to 6 mcg/kg/min.
> 12 years:
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.
Subcutaneous Injection: 0.25 mg into the lateral deltoid area. A second 0.25 mg dose can be administered in 15-30 minutes if needed. Maximum dose 0.5 mg in 4 hours.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:
Tablets: 0.05 mg/kg/day divided into three doses. Gradually increase to 0.15 mg/kg/day. Maximum dose is 5 mg per day.
>=12 years:
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.
>=12 Tablets: 2.5 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Do not exceed 7.5 mg in 24 hours
>=15 years:
Tablets: 2.5 mg to 5 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Do not exceed 15 mg in 24 hours.
What other drugs will affect terbutaline?
Before taking terbutaline, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken);
- a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or protriptyline (Vivactil);
- a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
another oral or inhaled bronchodilator; or
caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.
You may not be able to take terbutaline, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with terbutaline or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
More terbutaline resources
- Terbutaline Side Effects (in more detail)
- Terbutaline Dosage
- Terbutaline Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Terbutaline Drug Interactions
- Terbutaline Support Group
- 5 Reviews for Terbutaline - Add your own review/rating
- terbutaline Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Terbutaline MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Terbutaline Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Terbutaline Sulfate Monograph (AHFS DI)
Compare terbutaline with other medications
- Asthma, acute
- Asthma, Maintenance
- Premature Labor
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about terbutaline written for health professionals that you may read.
See also: terbutaline side effects (in more detail)
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