Tenofovir
23 June, 2023
Teriflunomide
23 June, 2023
Terbutaline Tablets
Generic name:
Terbutaline
Drug class:
Beta₂-adrenergic agonist; bronchodilator
Dosage form:
Tablets 2.5 mg, 5 mg
Route of administration:
Oral
Dose:
Adults: 2.5–5 mg every 4–6 hours (maximum 30 mg/day).
Pediatrics: 0.075–0.15 mg/kg every 6–8 hours.
Tocolysis (off-label): 2.5 mg every 4–6 hours. Varies by indication; consult label.
Mechanism of action:
Selective stimulation of β₂-adrenergic receptors increases intracellular cAMP, leading to smooth muscle relaxation in the bronchial tree and uterus.
Drug usage cases:
- Acute bronchospasm in asthma and COPD
- Reversible airway obstruction
- Prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm
- Off-label: Tocolysis for preterm labor
Drug contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to terbutaline or sympathomimetics
- Uncontrolled tachyarrhythmias
- Severe coronary artery disease
- Concurrent use of non-selective MAO inhibitors
Side effects:
- Tremor
- Nervousness, anxiety
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tachycardia, palpitations
- Arrhythmias
- Hypotension or hypertension
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypokalemia
- Nausea, vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Insomnia
- Paradoxical bronchospasm (rare)
Warnings:
- Use with caution in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and arrhythmias
- Monitor for hypokalemia and hyperglycemia
- Risk of paradoxical bronchospasm; discontinue if occurs
- Abrupt withdrawal may precipitate bronchospasm
- Use caution in thyroid disorders, diabetes, seizure disorders
- May interact with other sympathomimetics and MAO inhibitors
- Overdose may cause lactic acidosis, pulmonary edema, severe tachycardia
Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:
Pregnancy: Animal studies show no teratogenic effects, but high doses may cause fetal tachycardia, hypoglycemia, or hypokalemia. Use for tocolysis is off-label and should be limited to short-term under close monitoring of mother and fetus. Breastfeeding: Terbutaline is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Monitor nursing infants for irritability, tachycardia, or poor feeding. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
