Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: terbutaline
BRAND NAME: Brethine (Note: Bricanyl is no longer available in the U.S.)
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Terbutaline is a member of a class of drugs called
beta adrenergic receptor agonists (stimulators) that is used for treating asthma
and other airway diseases. Other drugs in the same class of drugs include
albuterol (Proventil),
metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), and salmeterol
(Serevent).
Asthma is a breathing problem caused by narrowing of air passages
(bronchial tubes) through which air moves in and out of the lungs. These airways
can be narrowed due to the accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that
surround them (bronchospasm), or swelling of their linings due to the
accumulation of fluid. Airway narrowing leads to shortness of breath, wheezing,
and cough. Terbutaline is a bronchodilator, a medication that dilates (expands)
air passages in the lungs. It attaches to beta adrenergic receptors on muscles
surrounding the air passages, causing the muscles to relax and dilate the air
passages. Wider air passages allow more air to flow in and out of the lungs.
Increased airflow reduces shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough. Terbutaline
also is used for delaying premature labor by relaxing the muscles of the uterus
that are responsible for expelling the fetus at delivery. The FDA approved
terbutaline in 1974.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 2.5 and 5 mg. Injection: 1 mg/ml.
STORAGE: Tablets and injection should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C
(59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Terbutaline is used to relieve and prevent bronchospasms
caused by asthma, emphysema or bronchitis. It is also used for preventing
preterm labor.
DOSING: The recommended adult oral dose for treating asthma, emphysema or
bronchitis is 2.5-5 mg 3 times daily approximately 6 hours apart while awake.
The maximum dosage is 15 mg/day. The recommended subcutaneous (under skin) dose
is 0.25 mg every 15-30 minutes for two doses. The maximum dose is 0.5 mg within
4 hours.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Combining terbutaline with
thioridazine (Mellaril) may
increase the occurrence of abnormal heart rhythms because both drugs can cause
abnormal heart rhythms.
The effects of terbutaline (a beta stimulant) are reversed by
beta-blockers, for
example, atenolol (Tenormin), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), and
metoprolol (Lopressor). Conversely, terbutaline may reduce the effect of
beta-blockers. Therefore, terbutaline and beta-blockers should not be used
together.
PREGNANCY: Terbutaline reduces uterine contractions and may inhibit labor.
There are no adequate studies of terbutaline in
pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: Terbutaline is found in small amounts in the breast milk of
nursing women. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers terbutaline to be
compatible with breastfeeding.
SIDE EFFECTS: Terbutaline may cause side effects such as tremor, nausea,
nervousness, dizziness, headache, drowsiness,
heartburn, heart palpitations,
fast heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Nausea,
vomiting, anxiety,
restlessness, lethargy, excessive sweating, chest pain, and muscle cramping also
may occur. Low blood potassium and high blood glucose have been associated with
terbutaline.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/27/2009
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Labor and Delivery - Pregnancy, labor, and delivery questions answered about pregnancy.
- Bronchitis - Learn about bronchitis an inflammation of the lining of the lungs. Bronchitis can be aggravated from colds, cigarette smoking, COPD, and other lung conditions.
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