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Generic Name: terbutaline (oral)
Brands: Brethine, Bricanyl
· 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.
· Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. Terbutaline works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
· Terbutaline is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
· Terbutaline may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.
· Before taking Brethaire, tell your doctor if you have ·heart disease or high blood pressure; ·epilepsy or another seizure disorder; ·diabetes; ·an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); ·liver disease; or ·kidney disease.
· You may not be able to take Brethaire or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
· Terbutaline is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Brethaire is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Brethaire without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
· Terbutaline passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Brethaire without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
· Take Brethaire exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
· Take each dose with a full glass of water.
· It is important to take Brethaire regularly to get the most benefit.
· Do not take Brethaire more often or in larger doses than is prescribed by your doctor. Taking more medication than is prescribed could be dangerous. 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 tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Brethaire to monitor progress and side effects.
· Store Brethaire at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
· Take 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 take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
· Symptoms of a Brethaire overdose may include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
· Avoid situations that may worsen your respiratory condition such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.
· Stop taking Brethaire and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or ·chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Brethaire and talk to your doctor if you experience ·headache; ·dizziness or lightheadedness; ·insomnia; ·tremor or nervousness; ·sweating; ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or ·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.
· Before taking Brethaire, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: ·a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken); ·a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or protriptyline (Vivactil); ·a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); ·another oral or inhaled bronchodilator; or ·caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.
· You may not be able to take Brethaire, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.
· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Brethaire 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.
· Your pharmacist has additional information about Brethaire written for health professionals that you may read.