Terbutaline is used to treat asthma and bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) caused

by bronchitis or emphysema. Bronchospasm causes your airways in your lungs to become narrow. This can lead to
wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Terbutaline may be taken as part of a combination therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids).

Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators. A class of drugs is a group of
medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Terbutaline works by relaxing the muscles in the airways (bronchial tubes) in your lungs. This opens up the airways,
which makes it easier for you to breathe.

 Heart rate and blood pressure warning: In rare cases, terbutaline may increase your heart rate and blood
pressure. If you have a heart issue, talk to your doctor before starting this drug.
 Seizures warning: Rarely, this drug can cause seizures. If you have a seizure disorder, talk to your doctor
before starting terbutaline.

The more common side effects that can occur with terbutaline include:

 nervousness
 tremor
 headache
 fast heart rate

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go
away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects.

 hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)

Terbutaline may interact with other medications

Depression drugs

When taken with terbutaline, certain drugs used to treat depression can worsen the side effects of terbutaline.
Examples of these drugs include:

 tricyclic antidepressants, such as:

o amitriptyline
o doxepin
 monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as:
o phenelzine
o selegiline

Heart drugs (beta blockers)

Terbutaline might not work as well in people with asthma when taken with beta blockers. This could lead to
bronchospasm and trouble breathing. Examples of beta blockers include:

 metoprolol
 labetalol

Blood pressure drugs (diuretics)

Taking loop or thiazide diuretics with terbutaline may change your heart rate and decrease the amount of potassium
in your body. Examples of these diuretics include:

 furosemide
  hydrochlorothiazide

Allergy warning

Terbutaline may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

 trouble breathing
 swelling of your throat or tongue

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause
death).

Warnings for people with heart problems

In rare cases, terbutaline can change your heart rate and blood pressure. If you have a heart issue, talk to you doctor
before starting this drug.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Terbutaline is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:

1. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
2. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk.

If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away.

For women who are breastfeeding: It is not known if terbutaline passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you
breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dosage may cause levels of this drug to
be higher than normal in your body. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dosage or a different treatment
schedule.

For children: This drug hasn’t been studied in children and shouldn’t be used in children younger than 12 years.

How to take terbutaline

All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:

 your age
 the condition being treated
 how severe your condition is
 other medical conditions you have
 how you react to the first dose

Drug form and strengths

Generic: Terbutaline

 Form: oral tablet

 Strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg

Dosage for asthma and bronchospasm

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 5 mg taken three times per day, 6 hours apart.
  If you develop side effects: Your doctor may lower your dosage to 2.5 mg taken 3 times per day, every 6
hours.
 Maximum dosage: 15 mg in one 24-hour period.

Child dosage (ages 16–17 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 5 mg taken three times per day, 6 hours apart.
 If your child develops side effects: Your doctor may lower your child’s dosage to 2.5 mg taken 3 times per
day, every 6 hours.
 Maximum dosage: 15 mg in one 24-hour period.

Child dosage (ages 12–15 years)

 Typical starting dosage: 2.5 mg taken 3 times per day.

 Maximum dosage: 7.5 mg in one 24-hour period.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 years)

This medication hasn’t been studied in children younger than 12 years. It shouldn’t be used in children in this age
range.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

There are no specific recommendations for senior dosing. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal
adult dosage may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you’re a senior, you may need a
lower dosage or a different treatment schedule.

Take as directed

Terbutaline oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your symptoms could get worse. This could lead to
serious breathing problems.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your symptoms may not stay controlled. You may have
more frequent episodes of breathing problems.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours
before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could
result in dangerous side effects.

If you take too much: You may have side effects, such as:

 seizures
 low or high blood pressure
 irregular heart rate
 tremors
 dry mouth

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are
severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How to tell if the drug is working: Your symptoms should be better controlled and you should have fewer
breathing problems.

Important considerations for taking terbutaline

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes terbutaline for you.

General

 If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you can crush it and mix it with food.
Storage

 Store terbutaline at room temperature between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C).
 Keep this drug away from high temperature.
 Keep this drug away from light.
 Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be
refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

 Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on
bag.
 Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t harm your medication.
 You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original
prescription-labeled container with you.
 Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this
when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor should monitor certain health issues during your treatment with terbutaline. This can help make sure you
stay safe while taking this drug. These issues include:

 heart function, if you’re having side effects

 potassium levels, if you’re having side effects
 lung function

Availability

Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your
pharmacy carries it.

Are there any alternatives?

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk to your
doctor about other drug options that may work for you.