Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 28, 2022.
Oral terbutaline sulfate has not been approved and should not be used for acute or maintenance tocolysis. In particular, terbutaline sulfate should not be used for maintenance tocolysis in the outpatient or home setting. Serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported after administration of terbutaline sulfate to pregnant women. In the mother, these adverse reactions include increased heart rate, transient hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema and myocardial ischemia. Increased fetal heart rate and neonatal hypoglycemia may occur as a result of maternal administration .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Brethine
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Bronchodilator
Pharmacologic Class: Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Uses for terbutaline
Terbutaline is used to prevent bronchospasm in patients 12 years of age and older with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
Terbutaline belongs to the family of medicines known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are medicines that relax the muscles in the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs. They relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.
Terbutaline is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using terbutaline
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For terbutaline, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to terbutaline or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Use of terbutaline in children younger than 12 years of age is not recommended.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effect..
