Terbutaline

Terbutaline is a prescription drug that is licensed for the treatment of emphysema and asthma. By causing muscles around the airways to relax, the medication can open up the airways and help improve breathing. Terbutaline, which is available only in generic form, comes as an oral tablet that is generally taken three times a day. Side effects of terbutaline can include drowsiness, nervousness, and headaches.

 

What Is Terbutaline?

Terbutaline sulfate (Brethine®) is a prescription medication used to treat asthma and emphysema in adults and children ages 12 and older.
 
(Click What Is Terbutaline Used For? for more information on terbutaline uses, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Terbutaline?

While brand-name terbutaline is no longer available, generic terbutaline is available and is made by a few different manufacturers.
 

How Does Terbutaline Work?

Normally, air moves easily into and out of the lungs through a network of airways. During an asthma attack, however, the muscles around these airways tighten. This narrows the airways and makes it harder to breathe. This is called bronchospasm.
 
Terbutaline is part of 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 around airways. This stimulation causes the muscles to relax, which opens up the airways and allows more air to get into and through the lungs.
 
Terbutaline also has some effects on decreasing the activity of mast cells in the lungs, which play an important role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
 

When and How to Take Terbutaline

Following are some general considerations for when and how to take terbutaline:
 
  • Terbutaline comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth three times a day.
     
  • The medicine can be taken with or without food. If terbutaline bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Terbutaline should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For terbutaline to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Terbutaline Dosage

The dose of terbutaline that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your terbutaline dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Terbutaline Dosing for more information about dosing for terbutaline.)
 

Side Effects of Terbutaline

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with terbutaline. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When terbutaline side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of terbutaline include but are not limited to:
 
  • Nervousness
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Headaches
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Terbutaline Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of terbutaline, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Terbutaline Drug Interactions

Terbutaline can potentially interact with several other medicines.
 
(Click Drug Interactions With Terbutaline for more information about terbutaline and other medicines.)
 

Terbutaline: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking terbutaline if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Terbutaline for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take terbutaline.)
 

Overdose With Terbutaline

People who take too much terbutaline may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
If you happen to overdose on Terbutaline, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Terbutaline Overdose for more information.)
 

Terbutaline: Storage Methods

Terbutaline should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Terbutaline tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep terbutaline and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

Terbutaline: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your terbutaline as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of terbutaline.
 

Terbutaline Strengths

Generic terbutaline tablets are available in two strengths:
 
  • Terbutaline 2.5 mg tablets
  • Terbutaline 5 mg tablets.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Terbutaline?

Since brand-name terbutaline is no longer being made, generic terbutaline is the only option.
 
(Click Generic Brethine for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;