Terbutaline and Preterm Labor

Although terbutaline is used mainly to treat asthma or emphysema, other conditions can also be treated "off-label" with terbutaline. Preterm labor can be delayed with the use of terbutaline, since the medication can cause muscles in the uterus to relax. There are certain risks associated with terbutaline and preterm labor. Side effects that may occur in the mother can include low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate. Among the problems that may occur in the infant are high blood sugar, high insulin levels, and heart problems.

 

An Overview of Terbutaline and Preterm Labor

Terbutaline sulfate (Brethine®) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and emphysema. It is part of a group of medications called beta adrenergic agonists. Terbutaline is used "off-label" to treat preterm labor -- though it is not approved for this use.
 

How Terbutaline Works for Preterm Labor

Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, or beta agonists for short. Beta agonists stimulate beta receptors in the body, including those on the muscles in the uterus. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which can help delay preterm labor. There is no evidence that terbutaline can prevent preterm labor that has not already started, and terbutaline usually cannot delay preterm labor for long periods of time. However, terbutaline can delay labor long enough to allow medications to be given that will help the premature infant's lungs to develop. It can also delay labor long enough to transport a pregnant woman to a facility with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), a hospital unit that specializes in caring for newborns.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;