Terbutaline Injection

What is this medication?

TERBUTALINE (ter BYOO ta leen) treats lung diseases, such as asthma, where the airways in the lungs narrow, causing breathing problems or wheezing (bronchospasm). It works by opening the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Brethine

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Pheochromocytoma
• Seizures
• Thyroid disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to terbutaline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injected under the skin. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following :

• Cocaine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Probucol
• Procarbazine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Diuretics
• Medications for colds or breathing problems
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• Medications for sleep
• Medications for the heart
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You and your care team should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Muscle pain or cramps
• Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Tremors or shaking
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.