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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Terbutaline

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Terbutaline

  • Terbutaline relieves chest tightness and wheezing in asthma.
  • The most common side effect is shakiness particularly of the hands.
  • If you do not get relief from your symptoms after taking terbutaline, contact your doctor straight away.

About terbutaline

Type of medicineBronchodilator
Used forBreathing disorders such as asthma
Also used in pregnancy to prevent early labour
Also calledBricanyl®
Available asTablets, sugar-free syrup and injection

Terbutaline works by opening up the air passages in the lungs so that air can flow into the lungs more freely. In doing so it helps to relieve symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Terbutaline may also be used to stop premature labour during weeks twenty-four to thirty-three of pregnancy. This treatment is usually started by an intravenous infusion, but may be continued with terbutaline tablets or syrup.

Before taking terbutaline

Before taking terbutaline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from hyperthyroidism (an over active thyroid gland).
  • If you suffer from heart disease or any other heart problems.
  • If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • If you suffer from diabetes.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take terbutaline

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take terbutaline at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with terbutaline.
  • If you are diabetic, you may need to monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.

Can terbutaline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer
Shakiness, nervous tension, muscle cramps, fast or fluttering heartbeat, disturbed sleep, and behaviour changes in childrenIf troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If your breathing gets worse or you wake up at night with chest tightness, speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store terbutaline

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Bricanyl®, AstraZeneca UK Ltd. electronic medicines Compendium. Leaflet dated January 2004, accessed 18 March 2008.
  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008DocID:
3568		DocRef:
dils3009		Last Reviewed:
19 May 2008		Version:
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