Terbutaline is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath from lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, bronchitis, emphysema). Terbutaline is a bronchodilator (beta-2 receptor agonist) that works by opening breathing passages to make breathing easier.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Although this use is not recommended by the manufacturer, this medication is also used in pregnant women to stop early labor.

This medication is given by injection under the skin, usually in the shoulder/upper arm area by a health care professional. Use as directed by your doctor. Learn all preparation and usage instructions for this product. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you have questions about the use of this medication, consult the doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use more than 0.5 milligrams of this medication over a 4-hour period.

If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or with inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly use this medication with your other asthma medicines.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Nervousness, shaking (tremor), dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or pain at injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, muscle cramps, weakness.

Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using terbutaline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol, metaproterenol); or to sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), high blood pressure, seizures, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), diabetes, low blood potassium level (hypokalemia).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug on the heart.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Terbutaline passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: beta blockers (e.g., propranolol), certain inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane), certain "water pills" (diuretics that cause potassium loss such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), other sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., ephedrine, epinephrine), theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase heart rate or blood pressure. Before using any of these products, ask your pharmacist about using them safely.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe headache, severe dizziness, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., potassium levels, heart rate, blood pressure) may be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Avoid allergens, irritants, smoking, and other factors that make asthma worse.

Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening asthma (such as readings in the yellow/red range or increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

Not applicable.

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Information last revised July 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.