Terbutaline is a prescription medicine used to treat and prevent symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs called beta agonists. It works by opening and relaxing airways, making it easier to breathe.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved terbutaline in 1974. It's manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies.
Terbutaline has been used in pregnant women to delay premature labor for up to 48 hours.
The injectable form of terbutaline contains a black-box warning because it shouldn't be used to stop or prevent prolonged premature labor (longer than 48 to 72 hours) in pregnant women.
The medicine can cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects in these women and their newborn babies.
The oral form of terbutaline also contains a black-box warning because it shouldn't be used to prevent or stop premature labor in any pregnant woman.
This drug should never be used outside of a hospital, doctor's office, or clinic to treat premature labor.
Before taking terbutaline, tell your doctor if you have, or have ever had:
If you have diabetes, you should know that terbutaline may affect your blood glucose level. Monitor your blood glucose carefully while taking this medicine.
This drug shouldn't be given to children younger than 12. Safety and effectiveness haven't been confirmed in this age group.
Call your doctor if your symptoms return before your next dose of terbutaline, or if your condition worsens while taking the medicine.
Terbutaline can help control your symptoms, but it won't cure your condition. Continue to take the drug even if you feel well.
Don't stop taking terbutaline without first talking with your doctor.
Let your healthcare provider know you're taking this medicine before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Terbutaline should only be used during pregnancy when it's clearly needed.
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or might become pregnant during your treatment. You'll need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medicine.
It's not known whether terbutaline passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this drug.
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking, especially:
Also, let your doctor know if you're taking any of the following drugs, or if you've stopped taking them in the past two weeks:
Terbutaline may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
Don't drive or perform activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
Alcohol may worsen certain side effects of terbutaline.
Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
Terbutaline comes as an oral tablet, as an injection, and as an inhaler.
The tablets are typically taken three times a day (once every six hours).
The injection is usually given by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Less often, you may be shown how to give yourself an injection of terbutaline at home.
The terbutaline inhaler is typically used every four to six hours, or as recommended by your doctor.
Follow the instructions on your product label carefully. Don't take more or less terbutaline than is recommended.
Symptoms of a terbutaline overdose may include:
If you suspect an overdose of terbutaline, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
If you miss a dose of terbutaline, take it as soon as you remember.
But if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular medication schedule.
Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
By Lynn Marks | Medically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD
Latest Update: 2016-03-21