Terbutaline sulfate
Terbutaline sulfate (Brethine)
Terbutaline sulfate
(ter- BYOU-tah-leen)
Pregnancy Category: B Brethaire Brethine Bricanyl (Rx)

Classification: Sympathomimetic, direct-acting; bronchodilator

See Also: See also Sympathomimetic Drugs .

Action/Kinetics: Specific beta-2 receptor stimulant, resulting in bronchodilation and relaxation of peripheral vasculature. Minimum beta-1 activity. Action resembles that of isoproterenol. PO: Onset: 30 min; maximum effect: 2-3 hr; duration: 4-8 hr. SC: Onset, 5-15 min; maximum effect: 30 min-1 hr; duration: 1.5-4 hr. Inhalation: Onset, 5-30 min; time to peak effect: 1-2 hr; duration: 3-6 hr.

Uses: Bronchodilator in asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, pulmonary obstructive disease, and other conditions associated with reversible bronchospasms. Relief of reversible bronchospasms in clients age six and up who suffer from obstructive airway diseases.

Contraindications: Lactation. Use for preterm labor.

Special Concerns: Large IV doses may aggravate preexisting diabetes and ketoacidosis. Safe use in children less than 12 years of age not established.

Additional Side Effects: CV: PVCs, ECG changes (e.g., atrial premature beats, AV block, sinus pause, ST-T wave depression, T-wave inversion, sinus bradycardia, atrial escape beat with aberrant conduction), tachycardia. Respiratory: Wheezing. Miscellaneous: Hypersensitivity reactions (including vasculitis), flushing, sweating, bad taste or taste change, muscle cramps, CNS stimulation, pain at injection site.

Laboratory Test Alterations: Liver enzymes.

How Supplied: Metered dose inhaler: 0.2 mg/inh; Injection: 1 mg/mL; Tablet: 2.5 mg, 5 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Bronchodilation.
Adults and children over 15 years: 5 mg t.i.d. q 6 hr during waking hours, not to exceed 15 mg q 24 hr. If disturbing side effects are observed, dose can be reduced to 2.5 mg t.i.d. without loss of beneficial effects. Anticipate use of other therapeutic measures if client fails to respond after second dose. Children 12-15 years: 2.5 mg t.i.d., not to exceed 7.5 mg q 24 hr.
?SC Bronchodilation.
Adults: 0.25 mg into the lateral deltoid area. May be repeated 1 time after 15-30 min if no significant clinical improvement is noted. If client does not respond to the second dose, undertake other measures. Do not exceed a dose of 0.5 mg over 4 hr.
?Metered Dose Inhaler Bronchodilation.
Adults and children over 12 years: 0.2-0.5 mg (1-2 inhalations) q 4-6 hr. Inhalations should be separated by 60-sec intervals. Dosage may be repeated q 4-6 hr.