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Terbutaline

    Brands

    DEA Class;  Rx

    Common Brand Names; Brethaire, Brethine, Bricanyl

    • Beta2 Agonists; 
    • Extravasation Antidotes
     

    Systemic short-acting selective beta-2 agonist (SABA); shorter acting than albuterol
    Used for treating and preventing bronchospasm due to asthma in adult and pediatric patients; also for bronchospasm due to COPD in adults, but inhaled agents are preferred
    Not recommended for use for prolonged tocolysis, off-label use as an acute tocolytic must be approached with caution

    For asthma maintenance treatment.
    For the treatment of bronchospasm (e.g., episodic wheezing) or an asthma exacerbation (e.g., primary care or acute care management).
    For the treatment of bronchospasm due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (e.g., chronic bronchitis and emphysema).
    For the treatment of status asthmaticus in pediatric patients.
    For the inhibition of uterine contraction in premature labor.

    Hypersensitivity to sympathomimetics

    Use >72 hr in management or prevention of preterm labor

    Oral administration in preterm labor

    • Nervousness
    • Restlessness
    • Transient hyperglycemia
    • Transient hypokalemia
    • Trembling
    • Tachycardia
    • HTN
    • Pounding heartbeat
    • Dizziness
    • Lightheadedness
    • Drowsiness
    • Headache
    • Insomnia
    • Dry mouth
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Bad taste in mouth
    • Muscle cramps
    • Weakness
    • Diaphoresis
    • Cardiac arrhythmias
    • Pulmonary edema
    • Myocardial ischemia
    • Myocardial infarction
    • Increased fetal heart rate
    • Hypoglycemia in some neonates born to women who received drug during labor

    Diabetes mellitus

    Hypertension

    Hyperthyroidism

    History of seizures

    History of cardiac disease, including ischemic heart disease or associated arrhythmias

    Paradoxical bronchoconstriction may occur with excessive use

    Fatalities reported with excessive use of sympathomimetics

    Optimize anti-inflammatory treatment prior to administering terbutaline for asthma therapy

    Beta-2 agonists may increase serum glucose; use caution in patients with diabetes mellitus

    Use caution in glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, and hypokalemia

    Pregnancy Category: C

    Lactation: Distributed into breast milk, but in amounts generally considered insufficient to affect nursing infants (AAP Committee states compatible with nursing)

    Dosage must be individualized and is highly variable depending on the indication, route of administration, and patient response.

    Terbutaline sulfate

    tablet

    • 2.5mg
    • 5mg

    injectable solution

    • 1mg/mL