• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

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.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of terbutaline?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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);

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Terbutaline has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have failed to reveal evidence of teratogenicity. Terbutaline is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.

Terbutaline has been shown to cross the placenta, and the fetus may experience the general adverse effects reported in the mother. Pulmonary edema has been associated with the intravenous use of terbutaline in pregnant women. Myocardial necrosis in one infant was thought to be associated with terbutaline given at a rate of 0.5 mg/hr for 12 weeks by subcutaneous infusion. In one retrospective review of 8,709 patients receiving continuous low-dose subcutaneous infusion of terbutaline to arrest preterm labor, only 47 (0.54%) had one or more cardiopulmonary problems. Pulmonary edema was reported in 28 patients (0.32%), 17 of whom had been treated concurrently with large amounts of IV fluids or one to three tocolytic agents and four of whom had been diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension and/or multiple gestation. Other cardiovascular effects occurred in 19 patients (0.22%), including electrocardiogram changes, irregular heart rate, chest pain, or shortness of breath. However, 7 of these patients had a history of cardiac problems. Use of terbutaline in pregnant women for the relief of bronchospasm may interfere with uterine contractility. For the treatment of asthma, administration by metered dose inhaler results in lower plasma concentrations and consequently fewer adverse effects for the mother and fetus. Hepatitis has been reported in at least two patients receiving terbutaline to control premature labor.

Terbutaline is excreted in small amounts into human milk. In four mothers taking 2.5 to 5 mg per day of terbutaline, milk concentrations averaged 3 to 4 ng/mL. The calculated daily dose of terbutaline taken in by a nursing infant ranges from 0.2% to 0.7% of the mother's dose. Terbutaline is not detectable in the plasma of nursing infants and clinical signs of beta-adrenergic stimulation have not been reported. Terbutaline is considered be compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

Known hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic agents or any ingredient in formulation.

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What does my medication look like?
Terbutaline is available with a prescription under the brand name Brethine. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Brethine 2.5 mg-white, oval tablets Brethine 5 mg-white, round tablets

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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.

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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.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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