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Terbutaline Coupon - Terbutaline 2.5mg tablet

terbutaline

Generic Brethine
Used for Asthma, COPD
Used for Asthma, COPD

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 15, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Terbutaline?

What is Terbutaline used for?

  • Prevention and treatment of bronchospasm (narrowing of airways) related to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema

How Terbutaline works

Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist. It relaxes the muscles in your lungs to open your airways and make breathing easier.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBrethine (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassBeta-adrenergic agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$152.33(save 81.41%)
GoodRx discount
$28.32
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What are the side effects of Terbutaline?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nervousness (35%)
  • Shaking (15%)
  • Headache (8%)
  • Sleepiness (6%)
  • Racing heart (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Weakness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Worsening asthma or other breathing problem: trouble breathing, wheezing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

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

wheezing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Arm, back, or jaw pain

blurred vision

chest pain

chest tightness or heaviness

confusion

convulsions

decreased urine

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

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

sleeplessness

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

Less common

Pain at the injection site

weakness

Rare

Anxiety

fever

redness, soreness, or itching skin

sores, welting, or blisters

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Terbutaline

thumbs-up

Pros

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

thumbs-down

Cons

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Terbutaline

pharmacist

  • 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.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Terbutaline

          How fast does terbutaline start to work?
          Terbutaline typically starts to work to improve lung function within 30 minutes. But, it might take 2 to 3 hours to notice the full effects of the medication.
          How long does the effect of terbutaline last?
          The effects of terbutaline can last for up to 8 hours after taking it. Keep in mind that the medication affects everyone differently. Make sure to follow up with your provider regularly to discuss how well your asthma is controlled with terbutaline treatment.
          Is terbutaline a steroid?
          No. Terbutaline isn't a steroid, so it won't help with inflammation in the airways. Instead, it works by relaxing the muscles in your airways to open them up and help you breathe easier.
          Does terbutaline increase heart rate?
          It can. In clinical studies, about 4% of people taking terbutaline reported experiencing a fast heart rate as a side effect. If this bothers you, contact your healthcare provider, especially if you already have heart rhythm problems.
          Can terbutaline be used to treat an immediate asthma attack?
          Because it takes longer than other asthma medications to work, terbutaline isn't a good option for relieving an immediate asthma attack. It's important to come up with a plan with your provider in case you experience an asthma attack. Make sure to have your rescue inhaler with you at all times.
          Can terbutaline be used to delay the birth of a baby?
          Terbutaline isn't FDA approved to delay the birth of a baby. In fact, the FDA added a black box warning (the strictest safety warning) to terbutaline in 2011 ruling out the use of the medication for prevention or treatment beyond 2 to 3 days of preterm labor. This is because it has many potential serious side effects for the mother and baby.
          Can terbutaline be used in pregnant women?
          If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking terbutaline. There haven't been enough studies about terbutaline use in pregnant women to know whether it's safe to take during pregnancy. There are safer asthma medications that can be used while you're pregnant.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Terbutaline?

          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.

          risk-warning

          Not for use for premature labor

          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.

          risk-warning

          Bronchospasm (difficulty breathing)

          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.

          risk-warning

          Heart problems

          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.

          risk-warning

          Seizures

          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.

          dosage

          Terbutaline dosage forms

          The average cost for 30 tablets of 2.5mg of Terbutaline is $28.32 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 81.41% off the average retail price of $152.33.
          tablet
          Tablet
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          2.5mg30 tablets$28.32$0.94
          5mg60 tablets$61.65$1.03

          Typical dosing for Terbutaline

          • 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.

          interactions

          Interactions between Terbutaline and other drugs

          Terbutaline may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Terbutaline. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

          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.

          drug-cost

          How much does Terbutaline cost?

          To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
          Terbutaline (generic)
          GoodRx lowest price

          $28.32

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          contraindications-icon

          Terbutaline contraindications

          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Terbutaline will not be safe for you to take.
          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Terbutaline?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Terbutaline. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Terbutaline
          Used for:

          • Prevention and treatment of bronchospasm (narrowing of airways) related to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema

          $28.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Albuterol
          Used for:

          • 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

          $28.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Advair (fluticasone / salmeterol)
          Used for:

          • Maintenance treatment of asthma

          • Maintenance treatment of COPD - Advair Diskus 250/50 only

          $56.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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          Terbutaline Coupon - Terbutaline 5mg tablet
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          References

          Best studies we found

          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.

          View All References (3)

          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.

          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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