Terbutaline
Introduction To Terbutaline
Terbutaline is used to relieve symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. It helps in relaxing the muscles of the air passages, thus widening it and making it easier to breathe.
You can take Terbutaline with or without food. The dose will depend on your condition and how your respond to the medicine. Try to take it at the same time each day. It's important to keep taking this medicine until your doctor tells you not to. Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it even if you feel well.
Terbutaline is generally safe and effective but some common side effects include headache. fast heart rate, trembling, and muscle cramps. These side effects aren't often dangerous and they should gradually improve as your body gets used to this medicine. There are other, rarer, side effects and you should call your doctor straight away if you get chest pain, a very bad headache or very bad dizziness.
Before using Terbutalinel, you should tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, a history of heart problems, diabetes or low levels of potassium in your blood to make sure it's safe. Also make sure your doctor knows if you're pregnant or breast-feeding before taking this medicine. Because this medicine can make you feel dizzy or shaky, don't drive, cycle or use tools or machinery until you feel better. And you shouldn't smoke. Smoking causes damage to your lungs and will make your condition worse.
Uses of Terbutaline
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Benefits of Terbutaline
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Terbutaline helps the airways in your lungs stay open. It relaxes the muscles
of these airways. This makes it easier for air to get in and out. It will
relieve symptoms such as tightness in your chest, shortness of breath,
wheezing and coughing and help you carry out your daily activities more
easily. This medicine is safe and effective. It usually starts to work within
a few minutes and the effects can last up to several hours. Do not stop using
it unless you are advised to by your doctor.
Side effects of Terbutaline
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Bricanyl
- Headache
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Upper abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itching
- Sweating
- Changes in serum aminotransferase levels
- Bloating
- Indigestion
How to use Terbutaline
Check the label for directions before use. Shake the inhaler. While you are breathing in from mouth, press down on the inhaler one time to release the medication and hold your breath for 10 seconds. Repeat until you have inhaled the number of puffs as suggested by the doctor.Afterwards, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and spit it out.
How Terbutaline works
Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and widens airways. This makes breathing easier.
Quick tips
- Take it as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor.
- It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Terbutaline affects you.
- It may cause a rise in blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Avoid cigarette smoking as it can affect the level of Terbutaline in your body.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of thyroid or heart disease.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Terbutaline if I’m pregnant?
Terbutaline is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Terbutaline if I’m breastfeeding?
Terbutaline is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Terbutaline safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Terbutaline. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does Terbutaline work?
Terbutaline works by widening the air passages in your lungs so that air can flow into your lungs more freely. Terbutaline helps to relieve symptoms of asthma like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, particularly at night.
Q. How should I take Terbutaline?
Terbutaline should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Terbutaline can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to reduce the chances of a missed dose.
Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Terbutaline?
If you forget a dose of Terbutaline, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose on the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
Q. What would happen if I take higher than the recommended dose of Terbutaline?
Taking a higher than the recommended dose of Terbutaline may cause seizures, chest pain, nervousness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness and lack of energy. High doses of Terbutaline may also cause fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat, uncontrollable shaking of any part of the body, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. In any such case, seek immediate medical attention.
Q. Is it safe to take Terbutaline if I have heart disease?
Yes, Terbutaline is considered safe, but its use depends on the severity of your heart problem. If you experience chest pain or any other symptom of worsening heart disease while taking Terbutaline, seek immediate medical advice.
Q. Being a diabetic, what should I remember while taking Terbutaline?
Terbutaline may cause blood sugar levels to rise. Therefore, your doctor may adjust your dose of insulin or antidiabetic medicines. Keep a regular check on your blood glucose levels and do not miss any dose. Consult your doctor if you experience a sudden rise in blood sugar levels.
Q. I have started using Terbutaline and I am experiencing headaches and shakiness. Is this because of Terbutaline and will these go away?
Yes, it could be due to Terbutaline. Feeling shaky is a common side effect of Terbutaline which goes away after some time. For headaches, drink plenty of water, get sufficient rest and avoid alcohol. Usually, headaches go away after a week. If they persist for a long time, contact your doctor.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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