Before using inhaled terbutaline

Before using inhaled 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 use inhaled terbutaline

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. The direction commonly given is that one dose should be inhaled as required, up to a maximum of four times daily. Do not use terbutaline more often than this.
• If you do not get relief from your symptoms after using terbutaline, contact your doctor straight away.
• If you have been prescribed the respules, make sure you know what volume to use in the nebuliser. If you are not sure, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice.

1. Break off a respule from the strip. Holding it upright, open it by twisting off the wing tab.
2. Place the open end inside the nebuliser cup and squeeze slowly. Throw the empty respule away.
3. Connect the top end of the cup to the face mask or mouthpiece and the bottom end to the air pump. The air pump should be connected to the compressor unit.
4. Turn on the nebuliser and breathe in the mist calmly and deeply using the face mask or mouthpiece. If you are using a face mask, make sure the face mask fits tightly.
5. The length of time it takes to nebulise all the medicine will vary with the type of equipment you use and the amount of medicine taken. You will know when your treatment is complete because the fine mist will stop coming out of your mask or mouthpiece.
6. You must wash the nebuliser cup and mouthpiece (or face mask) in warm soapy water and rinse well after each use. Dry these parts by turning on the compressor and allowing air to blow through them.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not smoke. Smoking causes severe irritation and damage to the lungs. It will make your condition worse and will reduce the beneficial effects of your medication.
• If your usual dose of terbutaline does not provide at least three hours relief from asthma symptoms speak to your doctor.
• If you are needing to use the maximum dose every day, or continue to have symptoms despite using the maximum dose, speak with your doctor as you may require additional treatment.
• If you are diabetic you may need to check your blood glucose levels more regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Ask your doctor or nurse for advice.
• If you are using more than one inhaler you should leave about five minutes before using the other inhaler. Terbutaline opens the air passages to allow the other medicine to work more effectively.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.

Can terbutaline inhaled 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.

How to store terbutaline inhaled

• 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