Terbutaline is used to prevent and treat asthma attacks, but it isn’t a first-choice option to use when you're experiencing an asthma attack. Terbutaline is one of the few asthma medications that come as a tablet that's swallowed instead of an inhaler. Some side effects of terbutaline include nervousness, tremor (shakiness), and headache. It isn't safe to use during pregnancy because of the risk of harm to both mother and baby. This medication used to be sold under the brand name Brethine, but is now only available under the generic name.
Prevention and treatment of bronchospasm (narrowing of airways) related to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema
Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist. It relaxes the muscles in your lungs to open your airways and make breathing easier.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
nervousness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
Less common
Chest discomfort
difficult or labored breathing
feeling of warmth
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
shortness of breath
sweating
tightness in the chest
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Arm, back, or jaw pain
blurred vision
chest tightness or heaviness
confusion
convulsions
decreased urine
dizziness
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fainting
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
increased thirst
loss of appetite
mood changes
muscle pain or cramps
nausea or vomiting
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
seizures
trouble sleeping
unable to sleep
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Drowsiness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Can help prevent and reverse tightening in the airways due to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema
One of the few asthma medications that's taken by mouth
Available as a lower-cost generic
Need to take three times a day
Can cause unpleasant side effects, like a racing heart and shaking
Not for use in children under the age of 12 years old
Take terbutaline regularly to prevent asthma attacks. It takes some time for the medication to start working, so it won't treat an asthma attack right away.
Always carry a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin), that you can use if your asthma symptoms flare up.
If your asthma symptoms get worse, talk to your provider about how to better control your asthma.
Don’t stop taking terbutaline, especially if your asthma symptoms are getting better. This can mean that your asthma medication is doing its job.
Terbutaline can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Terbutaline has been used to delay premature (early) birth of babies. It's important to note that the FDA hasn't approved terbutaline for this purpose. This medication shouldn't be used for the prevention or prolonged treatment (beyond 2 to 3 days) of premature labor. Serious reactions, including death, high blood sugar levels, low blood potassium levels, and abnormal heart rhythms, have happened to pregnant women who were given terbutaline for premature labor. Babies of mothers who were given terbutaline can have high heart rate and dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Even though terbutaline is used to treat asthma, it can sometimes actually make the airways tighter and make it hard for you to breathe. If you're feeling short of breath and it's not going away, get medical help right away.
Terbutaline can raise your blood pressure, heart rate, and affect your heart rhythm. It can also lower your potassium levels, which if severe enough, can lead to heart problems. Talk to your provider before starting the medication if you already have heart problems, especially conditions causing irregular heart rhythms and high blood pressure. Let your provider know if you start experiencing more rapid heartbeats while taking terbutaline.
Though rare, some people have reported having a seizure while taking terbutaline. Contact your provider right away if you think you experienced a seizure during treatment.
Adults: The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth three times a day. The maximum dose within a 24-hour period is 15 mg.
Children 12 to 15 years of age: The typical dose is 2.5 mg by mouth three times a day. The maximum dose within a 24-hour period is 7.5 mg.
Children under 12 years of age: Terbutaline isn't recommended for children in this age group. Ask your child's provider to see what other medications your child can take to help them breathe.
Terbutaline is also available as an injection that's given by a trained healthcare provider.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Premature labor
Allergy to sympathomimetic amines (e.g., phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine salts))
Prevention and treatment of bronchospasm (narrowing of airways) related to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema
Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older
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Chartwell RX, LLC. (2023). Terbutaline sulfate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Gaudet, L. M., et al. (2012). Effectiveness of terbutaline pump for the prevention of preterm birth. A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One.
Global Initiative for Asthma. (2023). Global strategy for asthma management and prevention.
Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (2020). Terbutaline sulfate- terbutaline sulfate injection [package insert]. DailyMed.
Hsu, E., et al. (2023). Beta2-agonists. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2017). FDA drug safety communication: New warnings against use of terbutaline to treat preterm labor.
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