Betamic

Indications

Terbutaline Sulphate is a bronchodilator, a medicine that opens the airways. It is used to relieve and prevent wheezing, cough and breathlessness caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other lung conditions in which the airways narrow (bronchospasm). It comes as tablets, syrup, inhalers and injection.

How It Works

Terbutaline stimulates beta-2 receptors on the smooth muscle that surrounds the airways. This makes the muscle relax, so the airways widen and air can flow in and out more easily. Inhaled terbutaline works within minutes; tablets and syrup act more slowly but last longer.

Dosage and Administration

Tablets for adults: usually 2.5 mg three times a day for the first 1 to 2 weeks, which may be increased to 5 mg three times a day if needed. Syrup and inhalers: use as directed on the label or as prescribed; inhalers are usually used when needed for symptoms. Children's doses depend on age and weight and should be as prescribed. The injection is given by a doctor or nurse. If you need your reliever more often than usual, see your doctor, as your asthma may be getting worse.

Interactions

Non-selective beta blockers such as Propranolol, including some eye drops, can block its effect and may cause severe wheezing. Taking it with Theophylline, steroids or diuretics can lower blood potassium. Other stimulant medicines, MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may increase effects on the heart and blood pressure. Some anaesthetic gases can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat.

Contraindications

Do not use terbutaline if you are allergic to it. It must not be used by mouth or by injection to stop or delay premature labour for longer than a short period in hospital, because of serious heart risks to the mother.

Side Effects

Common side effects include shaking of the hands (tremor), headache, a fast or pounding heartbeat, nervousness and muscle cramps. These often lessen after a few days. Less common effects include sleep problems, low blood potassium, high blood sugar and, rarely, irregular heartbeat.

Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, wheezing that gets worse right after using it, severe breathlessness that your reliever does not help, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Inhaled terbutaline may be used for asthma in pregnancy when needed, because uncontrolled asthma is risky for mother and baby. Tablets and injection should not be used to prevent premature labour. Small amounts pass into breast milk; it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but ask your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with care if you have heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes (check blood sugar more often) or low potassium. Terbutaline relieves symptoms but does not treat the inflammation in asthma, so keep using any preventer inhaler as prescribed. Learn the right inhaler technique.

Overdose

Too much terbutaline can cause severe shaking, a very fast heartbeat, chest pain, low potassium, high blood sugar, agitation and fits. Seek medical help straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Bronchodilator, selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not puncture or burn inhaler canisters. Injections are stored as directed on the pack.