Terbutaline (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed

Terbutaline is used to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. It relaxes and opens air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Terbutaline comes as tablets to take by mouth and as an aerosol to inhale by mouth. The tablets usually are taken three times a day. The aerosol is used as needed to relieve symptoms or every 4-6 hours to prevent symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take terbutaline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Terbutaline controls symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases but does not cure them. Continue to use terbutaline even if you feel well. Do not stop using terbutaline without talking to your doctor.

Before you use the terbutaline inhaler the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist to demonstrate the proper technique. Practice using the inhaler while in his or her presence.

To use the inhaler, follow these steps:

• Shake the inhaler well.
• Remove the protective cap.
• Exhale (breathe out) as completely as possible through your nose while keeping your mouth shut.
• Open Mouth Technique: Open your mouth wide, and place the open end of the mouthpiece about 1-2 inches from your mouth.Closed *Mouth Technique: Place the open end of the mouthpiece well into your mouth, past your front teeth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
• Take a slow, deep breath through the mouthpiece and, at the same time, press down on the container to spray the medication into your mouth. Be sure that the mist goes into your throat and is not blocked by your teeth or tongue. Adults giving the treatment to young children may hold the child's nose closed to be sure that the medication goes into the child's throat.
• Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, remove the inhaler, and exhale slowly through your nose or mouth. If you take 2 puffs, wait 2 minutes and shake the inhaler well before taking the second puff.
• Replace the protective cap on the inhaler.

If you have difficulty getting the medication into your lungs, a spacer (a special device that attaches to the inhaler) may help; ask your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist.

Other uses for this medicine

Terbutaline tablets are also used to prevent premature labor in pregnancy. The tablets usually are taken every 4-6 hours until the baby is delivered. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow

Before using terbutaline

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to terbutaline or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription medications you are taking, especially atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), phenelzine (Nardil), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), theophylline (Theo-Dur), timolol (Blocadren), tranylcypromine (Parnate), other medications for asthma, heart disease, or depression.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what nonprescription medications and vitamins you are taking, including ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, or pseudoephedrine. Many nonprescription products contain these drugs (e.g., diet pills and medications for colds and asthma), so check labels carefully. Do not take any of these medications without talking to your doctor (even if you never had a problem taking them before).
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an irregular heartbeat, increased heart rate, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, or seizures.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using terbutaline, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using terbutaline.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Mild Side Effects

Terbutaline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• tremor
• nervousness
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• weakness
• headache
• upset stomach
• flushing
• sweating
• dry mouth
• throat irritation

Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• increased difficulty breathing
• rapid or increased heart rate
• irregular heartbeat
• chest pain or discomfort

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. Avoid puncturing the container, and do not discard it in an incinerator or fire.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to terbutaline.

To relieve dry mouth or throat irritation caused by terbutaline inhalation, rinse your mouth with water, chew gum, or suck sugarless hard candy after using terbutaline.

Inhalation devices require regular cleaning. Once a week, remove the drug container from the plastic mouthpiece, wash the mouthpiece with warm tap water, and dry it thoroughly.

Do not let any one else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Brethine®