Terbutaline
Description
Terbutaline is a bronchodilator medicine that is used to relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, coughing etc. associated with asthma. It is used to treat an acute attack of asthma as well as for prevention of further asthma attacks. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients below 6 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Terbutaline
- Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sweating
- Muscle stiffness
- Tingling
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Rash
- Itching
- Drowsiness
Uses of Terbutaline
What is it prescribed for?
- Acute asthma
- Asthma - Maintenance
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 30-45 minutes of oral administration. Upon subcutaneous administration, the effect of this medicine can be observed within 6-15 minutes. Upon inhalation, the effect of this medicine can be observed within 30 minutes.
- Duration of effectThis medicine remains effective for up to 4-8 hours upon oral administration. The subcutaneous form of this medicine remains effective for up to 1.5-4 hours. The inhalation form of this medicine remains effective for up to 3-4 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesirable side effects.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to terbutaline or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesirable side effects.
General warnings
Use in pediatrics
This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 6 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Siezure disorder
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of seizure disorder due to the increased risk of recurrent seizures. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Glaucoma
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing glaucoma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate patient education, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Heart Diseases
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing heart diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of heart function, vital signs, or electrolyte levels may be necessary based on the clinical condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Hyperthyroidism
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing hyperthyroidism due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of thyroid hormone levels, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine may cause symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, a shakiness of arms and legs, muscle stiffness, etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Oral form: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Injection: Since this medicine is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinic or hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Inhaler/Solution: This medicine is used on an as-needed basis.
Overdose
Oral forms/Inhaler/Solution: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Injection: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital or clinic setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Escitalopram
Propranolol
Furosemide
Clozapine
Carvedilol
Amiodarone
Labetalol
Moxifloxacin
Disease interactions
Cardiovascular disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of cardiovascular diseases due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects. These side effects may include increased heart rate, alterations in blood pressure, palpitations, etc. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. You may require a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use this medicine. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Diabetes
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of diabetes mellitus due to the increased risk of alterations in blood glucose levels. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Seizures
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of seizure disorder due to the increased risk of recurrent seizures. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Hypokalemia
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from electrolyte disturbances due to the increased risk of low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Report any symptoms such as shortness of breath, muscle weakness, changes in heart rate, etc. to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral: This medicine can be taken with or without food, as directed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injection: This medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinic or hospital setting. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.
Inhaler/Solution: Use this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by relaxing and opening the blocked air passages leading to the lungs. This improves airflow into the lungs and makes breathing easier.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Adrenergic bronchodilators, Tocolytic agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from:
Terbutaline [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Mhra.gov.uk. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 28 March 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 27 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.