Terbutaline: Bronchodilator for Asthma and COPD

A medication used as a fast-acting bronchodilator often used to treat symptoms of asthma and COPD. It can also be used to delay premature labor.

Terbutaline FAQ

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What is terbutaline used for?

Terbutaline may be taken as part of a combination therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs (corticosteroids). Terbutaline is used to treat asthma and bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways) caused by bronchitis or emphysema. Bronchospasm causes your airways in your lungs to become narrow. This can lead to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

What are the side effects of terbutaline?

Terbutaline may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: wheezing, choking, or other breathing problems after using terbutaline; low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;

Is Terbutaline a generic drug?

Terbutaline oral tablet is available as a generic drug. It’s not available as a brand-name drug. Terbutaline comes as an oral tablet, and as an intravenous (IV) form that’s only given by a healthcare provider. Terbutaline oral tablet is used to treat asthma and bronchospasm caused by bronchitis or emphysema. This drug has a black box warning.

Is Terbutaline a bronchodilator?

Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Terbutaline works by relaxing the muscles in the airways (bronchial tubes) in your lungs.

Why is Terbutaline a bronchodilator?

Terbutaline belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators because it widens (dilates) your airways. It works by opening up the air passages in your lungs so that air can flow into your lungs more freely. This helps to ease symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless.

Does terbutaline have a black box warning?

Terbutaline comes as an oral tablet, and as an intravenous (IV) form that’s only given by a healthcare provider. Terbutaline oral tablet is used to treat asthma and bronchospasm caused by bronchitis or emphysema. This drug has a black box warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).