Generic name:terbutaline (oral route) [ ter-BUE-ta-leen ]
Drug classes:Adrenergic bronchodilators, Tocolytic agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2022.
Oral terbutaline sulfate has not been approved and should not be used for acute or maintenance tocolysis. In particular, terbutaline sulfate should not be used for maintenance tocolysis in the outpatient or home setting. Serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported after administration of terbutaline sulfate to pregnant women. In the mother, these adverse reactions include increased heart rate, transient hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema and myocardial ischemia. Increased fetal heart rate and neonatal hypoglycemia may occur as a result of maternal administration .
The Brethine brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Brethine
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Bronchodilator
Pharmacologic Class: Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist
Uses for Brethine
Terbutaline is used to prevent bronchospasm in patients 12 years of age and older with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
Terbutaline belongs to the family of medicines known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are medicines that relax the muscles in the bronchial tubes (air passages) of the lungs. They relieve cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing by increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Brethine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is..
