Terbutaline and Pregnancy

In previous studies involving terbutaline and pregnancy, the drug did not cause any complications when it was given to pregnant animals. However, it is important to keep in mind that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. A healthcare provider may prescribe terbutaline to a pregnant woman if he or she believes that its benefits outweigh any possible risks to her unborn child.

 

Is Terbutaline Safe During Pregnancy?

Terbutaline sulfate (Brethine®) is generally safe for women who are pregnant. In previous animal studies involving terbutaline and pregnancy, the drug did not cause any problems.
 

Terbutaline and Pregnancy Category B

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.
 
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do, and the full risks of using terbutaline during pregnancy are not known. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if her healthcare provider believes that its benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to her unborn child.
 
Terbutaline is sometimes used to treat preterm labor, or to prevent labor and delivery of a premature baby (see Terbutaline and Preterm Labor for more information).
 

Final Thoughts on Terbutaline and Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking terbutaline for asthma, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider both the benefits and risks of using terbutaline during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;