Terbutaline

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to open the airways in diseases, such as asthma or COPD where spasm may cause breathing problems.

How does it work?

• Terbutaline works at sites in the airways to relax the muscles and improve oxygen delivery.

How is it best taken?

• Aerosol for inhaling (puffing) only by an inhaler.
• Follow directions given by healthcare provider. Do not go over maximally recommended daily dose.
• A spacer can be used with the inhaler for easier delivery. This to get more medicine into lungs.
• Check inhaler use with healthcare provider at each visit. Using the inhaler the right way is very important. Shake well before using.
• If you are using more than one type of inhaler, use terbutaline first then others.
• Take tablets on an empty stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Inhale a missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not change dose or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for lung disease.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. May cause nervousness and anxiety.
• If exercise causes symptoms, use dose immediately before activity to prevent them.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Inability to sleep, nervousness, tremor, hyperactivity.
• Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Dry mouth. Rinse out mouth with water after each use.

What should I monitor?

• What for changes in breathing. Is breathing better, worse, or about the same?
• If you are using this medicine for asthma, monitor with peak flow meter.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Unable to get breathing attack under control.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
• Metered-dose inhaler should be at room temperature for best effects.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved