$Unique_ID{BRK03343} $Pretitle{} $Title{terbutaline} $Subject{Brethaire Brethine Geigy Lakeside Bricanyl Bronchodilator terbutaline wheezing shortness breath lung diseases asthma bronchitis emphysema muscles bronchi breathing tubes bronchospasm muscle contractions bronchi airway resistance breathing} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. terbutaline ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Discard any outdated medication.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. 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 bluish coloration of the skin, 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, or 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 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, or 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, tell your doctor or dentist you are taking this drug. * 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. * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. 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. Small amounts of terbutaline pass into breast milk. ---------------- 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.