Terbutaline, Inj/Oral

Bronchodilator & Anti-asthma Preps: Orals/Parenterals · Beta-2 agonist

Indications

Bronchospasm in asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema. Uncomplicated premature labour.

Dosage

INJECTION: Bronchospasm: Adults: 0.25-0.5 mg SC, IM or slow IV inj up to four times daily. Acute asthma: Children: Under 2 yr, not recommended. Continuous IV infusion: 2-18 yr, initially 2-4 mcg/kg as a loading dose, then 1-10 mcg/kg/hr according to response and heart rate (doses above 10 mcg/kg/hr with close monitoring). Uncomplicated premature labour: Adults: Initially 5 mcg/min by IV infusion for 20 min, increasing to 2.5 mcg/min at 20 min intervals until contractions stop; max 20 mcg/min. Maintenance, 5 mg orally three times in 24 hr for as long as required to prolong pregnancy. SYRUP: 3 times daily. Adults: 10-15 mL. Children: Under 3 yr, not recommended; 3-7 yr, 2.5-5 mL; 7-15 yr, 5-10 mL. TABLET: Adults: 2.5 mg-5 mg 2 or 3 times daily. Children: 7-15 yr, 2.5 mg 2 or 3 times daily.

Administration

Administered by SC only, usually into the lateral deltoid area. Compatibility: Dextrose 5%, NaCl 0.45%, 0.9%. Stability: Store at controlled room temperature and protect from light and freezing.

Adverse Effects

Fine tremor, peripheral vasodilation, tension, headache, palpitations, hypotension, hypokalaemia, tachycardia, nausea. Sleep and behavioural disturbances in children. Increased bleeding associated with caesarian section.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Conditions where prolongation of pregnancy is hazardous, antepartum, haemorrhage, severe toxaemia of pregnancy. Risk factors for heart disease. Pulmonary hypertension. Precautions: Hyperthyroidism, myocardial insufficiency, angina, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension. Diabetes (IV only). Monitor fluids, electrolytes and cardiorespiratory function.

Interactions

Sympathomimetics, beta-blockers, hypokalaemic agents, halogenated anaesthetics, corticosteroids, antidiabetics.

Advice to Patient

Take oral form with or without meals. Contact prescriber if there is change in vision, fatigue, dizziness, unrelieved abdominal upset, fast heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations, nervousness, lack of sleep, muscle cramps/tremors/pain, rash, unusual cough. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. If you are suffering from diabetes, check blood glucose level regularly.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Oral: 30-45 mins; SC: 6-15 min; Inhalation: 5 mins (max effect: 15-60 mins). Duration: Oral: 4-8 hrs; Oral inhalation: 3-6 hrs; SC: 1.5-4 hrs. Absorption: 33%-50%. Metabolism: Hepatic to inactive sulfate conjugates. Bioavailability: SC doses are more bioavailable than oral. Half-life elimination: 5.7 hrs (range: 2.9-14 hrs). Time to peak, serum: SC: 0.5 hrs. Excretion: Urine (60% as unchanged drug). Faeces.

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Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.