GENERIC NAME: terbutaline
BRAND NAME: Brethine; Bricanyl
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Terbutaline is a
bronchodilator, a
medication that dilates the air passages in the lungs. It
attaches to
receptors on the muscle cells lining the air passages (beta
adrenergic
receptors ) causing the muscles to relax, and in so doing it
increases the
diameter of the air passages so that more air can flow in and
out of the
lungs during breathing. Terbutaline also relaxes some other
types of
smooth muscles, such as the muscles of the uterus; however,
other types of
muscle may be stimulated to contract rather than relax.
Terbutaline was
first approved by the FDA in 1974
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg. Inhalant: 0.2
mg/spray.
STORAGE: Tablets and inhaler should be stored
between 2°
(36°F) and 30°C (86°F) in a dry place.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Terbutaline is used to relieve and
prevent
attacks of asthma, including exercise-induced asthma. Asthma is
a
breathing problem caused by narrowing of the air passages
(bronchial
tubes) that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These
airways can
be narrowed due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the
muscles that
surround them, or swelling of their linings due to the
accumulation of
fluid. Airway narrowing leads to shortness of breath, wheezing,
and cough.
Terbutaline dilates bronchial airways by relaxing the
surrounding
bronchial muscles. 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.
DOSING:
Oral: Terbutaline is most frequently given every six to
eight
hours. For persons with difficulty swallowing, the tablets may
be crushed
and mixed with food or fluids.
Inhalation: Terbutaline may be inhaled every 4 to 8
hours. In
patients with asthmatic attacks brought about by exercise or
other forms
of exertion, terbutaline can be used as two puffs taken at
least 10-15
minutes prior to beginning exercise. To avoid the spread of
infection,
only one person should use each inhaler. For any inhaler, the
following
steps should be followed:
- shake inhaler
- exhale fully
- tilt head up slightly
- place lips around the inhaler
- squeeze down the release and begin to inhale slowly and
completely
- hold breath, if possible, for 10 seconds
- repeat, if instructed to do so, after at least 1 to 2
minutes
DRUG INTERACTIONS: The effects of terbutaline on the
heart and
blood vessels may be increased by the use of tricyclic
antidepressants
(TCAs) such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil),
or
desipramine (Norpramin), or maprotiline (Ludiomil), or any of
the MAO
(mono-amine oxidase) inhibitor-class of antidepressants, for
example,
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate),
and procarbazine (Matulane).
The effects of terbutaline (a beta stimulant) are reversed by
beta-blockers, e.g. atenolol (Tenormin), nadolol (Corgard),
propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor) and vice versa. Therefore,
terbutaline
and beta-blockers should not be used together. Blood pressure
and pulse
may increase during treatment with terbutaline because of the
stimulant
effects of terbutaline on muscles of the heart and blood
vessels.
The use of terbutaline with digoxin (Lanoxin) or with levodopa
(found in Sinemet) may increase the risk of developing heart
arrhythmias.
Thyroid hormones (e.g. levothyroxine, Synthroid), like
terbutaline, can
stimulate the heart. This combination may be of special concern
in
patients with preexisting heart disease.
PREGNANCY: Terbutaline reduces uterine contractions and
may
inhibit labor; unless it is used specifically for this purpose,
it should
be used cautiously during the second and third trimesters of
pregnancy.
Terbutaline is otherwise considered safe during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Terbutaline is found in small amounts
in the breast milk of nursing women that use it. The American Academy
of
Pediatrics considers terbutaline to be compatible with breast-
feeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: Terbutaline can cause side effects
including
palpitations, fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, tremor,
nausea,
nervousness, dizziness, and heart burn. Throat irritation and
nose bleeds
can also occur with the inhaled preparation. Other, less common
side
effects include headache, nausea/vomiting, anxiety,
restlessness,
lethargy, drowsiness, excessive sweating, and muscle cramping.
Like other
beta adrenergic stimulants, terbutaline may cause chest pain,
taste
alterations and dry mouth.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Asthma - Read about asthma signs and symptoms, statistics, medication, inhalers, and management, and triggers (or what causes an attack). Get the facts about asthma in children and exercise-induced asthma. Source:MedicineNet
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Learn about COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which is primarily two related diseases - chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 26 more terbutaline related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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