Terbutaline Sulfate(ter byoo’ ta leen)
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Antiasthmatic
Beta2-selective adrenergic agonist
Bronchodilator
Sympathomimetic
Tocolytic drug
Therapeutic Actions
In low doses, acts relatively selectively at beta2-adrenergic receptors to cause bronchodilation and relax the pregnant uterus; at higher doses, beta2 selectivity is lost and the drug acts at beta1 receptors to cause typical sympathomimetic cardiac effects.
Indications
Prophylaxis and treatment of bronchial asthma and reversible bronchospasm that may occur with bronchitis and emphysema in patients 12 yr and older
Unlabeled use: Tocolytic to prevent preterm labor
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to terbutaline; tachyarrhythmias, tachycardia caused by digoxin toxicity; general anesthesia with halogenated hydrocarbons or cyclopropane, which sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines; unstable vasomotor system disorders; labor and delivery (may inhibit labor; parenteral use of beta-adrenergic agonists can accelerate fetal heartbeat, cause hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and pulmonary edema in the mother and hypoglycemia in the neonate); lactation.
Use cautiously with diabetes, coronary insufficiency, CAD, history of stroke, COPD patients who have developed degenerative heart disease, hyperthyroidism, history of seizure disorders, psychoneurotic individuals, hypertension, prolonged QT interval
Available Forms
Tablets—2.5, 5 mg; injection—1 mg/mL
Dosages
Adults and patients older than 15 yr
Oral
5 mg PO tid at 6-hr intervals during waking hours. If side effects are pronounced, reduce to 2.5 mg tid. Do not exceed 15 mg/day.
Parenteral
0.25 mg subcutaneously into lateral deltoid area. If no significant improvement in 15–30 min, give another 0.25-mg dose. Do not exceed 0.5 mg/4 hr. If patient fails to respond to second 0.25-mg dose within 15–30 min, other therapeutic measures should be considered.
Pediatric patients
Oral
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