GENERIC NAME: Terbutaline Drug Class and Mechanism

GENERIC NAME: terbutaline
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.
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.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
Before using terbutaline:

• Determine if patient has hypersensitivity to this drug.
• Also note drugs the client may be taking specially drugs for asthma, heart disease, or
depression.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are
taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine.
Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for
colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications
without talking to your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate,
glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or
seizures.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you
become pregnant while using terbutaline, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
using terbutaline.
What should I do if I forget a dose?

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Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to
make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?

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Terbutaline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or
do not go away:
• tremor
• nervousness
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• weakness
• headache
• upset stomach
• flushing
• sweating
• dry mouth
• throat irritation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• increased difficulty breathing
• rapid or increased heart rate
• irregular heartbeat
• chest pain or discomfort
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and
Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about
the proper disposal of your medication. Avoid puncturing the container, and do not discard it in
an incinerator or fire.
In case of emergency/overdose
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In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has
collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?

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Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab
tests to check your response to terbutaline.
To relieve dry mouth or throat irritation caused by terbutaline inhalation, rinse your mouth with
water, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candy after using terbutaline.
Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the drug container from the
plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.
Do not let any one else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about
refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-
the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or
other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if
you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of
emergencies.

GENERIC NAME: Terbutaline Drug Class and Mechanism

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GENERIC NAME: Terbutaline Drug Class and Mechanism

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GENERIC NAME: terbutaline

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:

Before using terbutaline:

What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause?

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

What other information should I know?

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