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- $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 Discard any outdated medication.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.
-