$Unique_ID{BRK02147}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TERBUTALINE}
$Subject{Brethaire (Geigy)
Brethine (Geigy)
Bricanyl (Lakeside)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TERBUTALINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Brethaire (Geigy)
     Brethine (Geigy)
     Bricanyl (Lakeside)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Bronchodilator
INGREDIENT:
     terbutaline
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (2.5 mg and 5 mg)
     Inhalation aerosol (each spray delivers 0.2 mg)
STORAGE:
     Terbutaline tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed, light-resistant container.  The inhalation aerosol should be
       stored at room temperature away from excessive heat; the contents are
       pressurized and can explode if heated.  Discard any outdated
       medication.

USES

     Terbutaline is used to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath caused by
lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.  This drug acts
directly on the muscles of the bronchi (breathing tubes) to relieve
bronchospasm (muscle contractions of the bronchi), which in turn reduces
airway resistance and allows air to move more freely to and from the
lungs--making breathing easier.

TREATMENT

     In order to lessen stomach upset, you can take terbutaline with food
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The inhalation aerosol form of this medication is usually packaged with
an instruction sheet.  Read the directions carefully before using the
medication.  The contents should be shaken well just before each use.  The
contents tend to settle on the bottom, so it is necessary to shake the bottle
to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses.  If more than one
inhalation is necessary, wait at least one full minute between doses in order
to receive the full benefit of the first dose.
     If you miss a dose of this medication and remember within an hour, take
the missed dose immediately and then return to your regular schedule.  If more
than an hour has passed, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose of this medication.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Anxiety, bad taste in mouth, dizziness, headache, flushing, irritability,
insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, sweating,
vomiting, or weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     To prevent dryness or irritation of the mouth or throat, rinse your mouth
with water after each dose.
     In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, check with your doctor to
see if you can take the last dose of this medication several hours before
bedtime each day.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or
lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, difficult or painful urination, increased wheezing or difficulty
in breathing, muscle cramps, palpitations, or tremors.

INTERACTIONS

     Terbutaline interacts with other types of medications:
     1. The beta blockers (acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, carteolol,
esmolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol,
timolol) antagonize (act against) this medication, decreasing its
effectiveness.
     2. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors; tricyclic antidepressants;
antihistamines; levothyroxine; and over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough,
cold, allergy, asthma, diet, and sinus medications may increase the side
effects of terbutaline.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug
and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     3. There may be a change in the dosage requirements of insulin or oral
antidiabetic medications when terbutaline is started.
     4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased
by this medication.
     5. The use of terbutaline with other bronchodilator drugs (either oral or
inhalant drugs) can have additive side effects.  Discuss this with your
doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to terbutaline or any related drug (albuterol,
amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, norepinephrine,
phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, metaproterenol).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had diabetes,
glaucoma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, enlarged prostate
gland, or thyroid disease.
     * This medication can cause dizziness.  Your ability to perform tasks
that require alertness, such as driving a car may be decreased.  Appropriate
caution should be taken.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Avoid allowing the aerosol inhalation to come in contact with eyes.
     * Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol inhalation container.  The
contents are under pressure and may explode.
     * Do not exceed the recommended dosage of this medication; excessive use
may lead to an increase in side effects or a loss of effectiveness.  Contact
your doctor if you do not respond to the usual dose of this medication.  It
may be a sign of worsening asthma, which may require additional therapy.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although terbutaline
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not been
conducted.  Thus, terbutaline should only be administered during pregnancy if
the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh potential risks to the fetus.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
terbutaline pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
