What is terbutaline inhalation?
Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve
breathing.
Terbutaline inhalation is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
Terbutaline inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking terbutaline inhalation?
Before using terbutaline inhalation, tell your doctor if you have
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heart disease or high blood pressure;
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epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
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diabetes;
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an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); or
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liver or kidney disease.
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment with terbutaline inhalation if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Terbutaline is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use terbutaline inhalation without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether terbutaline passes into breast milk. Do not use terbutaline
inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Terbutaline inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.
How should I take terbutaline inhalation?
Use terbutaline inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best
results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler
and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow
breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you
place the inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine
because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use the inhaler
directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.
If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the
procedure.
If you also use a steroid inhaler, use the terbutaline inhaler first to open up your airways,
then use the steroid inhaler as directed.
It is very important that you use the terbutaline inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets
into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor
about proper inhaler use.
It is important to use terbutaline inhalation regularly to get the most benefit.
Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the
maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication
could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
Your doctor may want you to have lung function test or other medical evaluations during
treatment with terbutaline inhalation to monitor progress and side effects.
Keep the inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it.
The inhaler can be cleaned by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water
or alcohol. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.
Carry the inhaler with you at all times in case of emergencies. Get a refill before you run out
of medicine and before going on vacation.
What happens if I miss a dose of terbutaline inhalation?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not
use a double dose of this medication.
Where can I get more information about terbutaline inhalation?
Your pharmacist has information about terbutaline inhalation written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of terbutaline inhalation?
Stop using terbutaline inhalation and seek emergency medical attention if you
experience any of the following serious side effects:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
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chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
use terbutaline inhalation and talk to your doctor if you experience
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headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, or insomnia;
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tremor or nervousness;
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sweating;
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nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
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dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about terbutaline inhalation?
It is very important that you use the terbutaline inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets
into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor
about proper inhaler use.
Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the
maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication
could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
What should I avoid while taking terbutaline inhalation?
Avoid situations that may trigger an asthma attack such as exercising in cold, dry air;
smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.
What other drugs will affect terbutaline inhalation?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
medicines:
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a beta-blocker (used to treat high blood pressure and other
heart conditions) such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), propranolol (Inderal),
acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol
(Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), and pindolol (Visken), and others;
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a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil),
desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and others;
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a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
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another inhaled bronchodilator such as albuterol (Ventolin,
Proventil), bitolterol (Tornalate), isoetharine (Bronkometer, Bronkosol), isoproterenol (Isuprel,
Medi Haler-Iso), metaproterenol (Alupent, Metaprel), pirbuterol (Maxair), or salmeterol
(Serevent); or
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caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.
You may not be able to use terbutaline inhalation, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with terbutaline inhalation, or affect your
condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of terbutaline inhalation?