terbutaline inhalation

T

Generic Name: terbutaline inhalation (ter BYOO ta leen)
Brand Names: Brethaire

What is terbutaline inhalation?

Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Terbutaline inhalation is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Terbutaline inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about terbutaline inhalation?

It is very important that you use the terbutaline inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using terbutaline inhalation?

Before using terbutaline inhalation, tell your doctor if you have

heart disease or high blood pressure;

epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

diabetes;

an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); or

liver or kidney disease.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with terbutaline inhalation if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Terbutaline is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use terbutaline inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether terbutaline passes into breast milk. Do not use terbutaline inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Terbutaline inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age. How should I use terbutaline inhalation?

Use terbutaline inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place the inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use the inhaler directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.

If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use the terbutaline inhaler first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

It is very important that you use the terbutaline inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

It is important to use terbutaline inhalation regularly to get the most benefit.

Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

Your doctor may want you to have lung function test or other medical evaluations during treatment with terbutaline inhalation to monitor progress and side effects.

Keep the inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. The inhaler can be cleaned by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water or alcohol. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

Carry the inhaler with you at all times in case of emergencies. Get a refill before you run out of medicine and before going on vacation.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a terbutaline overdose include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while using terbutaline inhalation?

Avoid situations that may trigger an asthma attack such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

Terbutaline inhalation side effects Stop using terbutaline inhalation and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

chest pain or irregular heartbeats.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use terbutaline inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience

headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or insomnia;

tremor or nervousness;

sweating;

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or

dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Terbutaline inhalation Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

Tablets: 5 mg orally 3 times a day at 6 hour intervals during waking hours. May decrease to 2.5 mg/dose if side effects are pronounced. Do not exceed 15 mg in 24 hours.
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Premature Labor:

Tablets: 2.5 to 7.5 mg orally every 6 hours. Therapy should be continued until 36 to 37 weeks gestation.
Continuous intravenous infusion: 10 to 25 mcg/min. Therapy should be continued until labor has been arrested. Maximum dose 80 mcg/min.
Subcutaneous injection: 0.25 mg every 6 hours. Subcutaneous therapy should be continued until labor has been arrested.

Usual Adult Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.
Subcutaneous Injection: 0.25 mg into the lateral deltoid area. A second 0.25 mg dose can be administered in 15 to 30 minutes if needed. Do not exceed 0.5 mg in 4 hours.
Continuous intravenous infusion: 0.08 to 6 mcg/kg/min.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Acute:

Subcutaneous Injection: 0.005 to 0.01 mg/kg/dose to a maximum dose of 0.4 mg every 15 to 20 minutes for 2 doses.
Nebulization: 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg/dose with a minimum dose of 0.1 mg; maximum dose is 2.5 mg diluted with 1 to 2 mL of normal saline every 4 to 6 hours.
Continuous intravenous infusion: 0.08 to 6 mcg/kg/min.
> 12 years:
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.
Subcutaneous Injection: 0.25 mg into the lateral deltoid area. A second 0.25 mg dose can be administered in 15-30 minutes if needed. Maximum dose 0.5 mg in 4 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Asthma -- Maintenance:

Tablets: 0.05 mg/kg/day divided into three doses. Gradually increase to 0.15 mg/kg/day. Maximum dose is 5 mg per day.
>=12 years:
Inhalation aerosol: 2 inhalations separated by 60 seconds every 4 to 6 hours. Do not repeat more often than every 4 to 6 hours.
>=12 Tablets: 2.5 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Do not exceed 7.5 mg in 24 hours
>=15 years:
Tablets: 2.5 mg to 5 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Do not exceed 15 mg in 24 hours.

What other drugs will affect terbutaline?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

a beta-blocker (used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions) such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), and pindolol (Visken), and others; a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and others; a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

another inhaled bronchodilator such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate), isoetharine (Bronkometer, Bronkosol), isoproterenol (Isuprel, Medi Haler-Iso), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), pirbuterol (Maxair), or salmeterol (Serevent); or

caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.

You may not be able to use terbutaline inhalation, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with terbutaline inhalation, or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

More terbutaline inhalation resources Terbutaline inhalation Side Effects (in more detail)Terbutaline inhalation DosageTerbutaline inhalation Use in Pregnancy & BreastfeedingDrug ImagesTerbutaline inhalation Drug InteractionsTerbutaline inhalation Support Group5 Reviews for Terbutaline - Add your own review/rating Compare terbutaline inhalation with other medications Asthma, acuteAsthma, MaintenancePremature Labor Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist has additional information about terbutaline written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: terbutaline side effects (in more detail)

terbutaline inhalation

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