Uses

Terbutaline is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is a quick-relief medication. Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily. Controlling symptoms of breathing problems can decrease time lost from work or school.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow the illustrated directions for the proper use of this medication and device. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inhale this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 1 dose as needed. Your doctor may direct you to use additional doses if your symptoms last after the first dose. Carefully follow your doctor's directions. Do not use more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period.

Before using, remove the cover. To load a dose, hold the inhaler upright with the grip downward. Turn the blue grip as far as it will go in one direction, then turn it back to the original position. You should hear a click, which means the inhaler is ready for use. Place the mouthpiece near your mouth and breathe out as far as is comfortable. Do not breathe into the inhaler device. Then place the mouthpiece between your teeth, close your lips, and breathe in forcefully and deeply through your mouth. You may not taste or feel the drug when you breathe it in. This is normal. Remove the inhaler from your mouth before breathing out. Replace the cover after each use. To decrease the risk of side effects, rinse your mouth with water after using the inhaler.

If you accidentally drop, shake, or breathe out into the inhaler after it is loaded, you will lose your dose and must reload a new dose before use. Do not use the inhaler if it has been damaged or if the mouthpiece has come off.

If you are using other inhalers at the same time, wait at least 1 minute between the use of each medication.

Clean the outside of the mouthpiece with a dry tissue once a week. Do not use water or any other liquid for cleaning. If liquid gets into the inhaler, it may not work properly.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use it more often than prescribed.

Keep track of the number of inhalations used from each device. Discard the device after you have used the number of inhalations marked on the manufacturer's package.

Learn which of your inhalers you should use every day (controller drugs) and which you should use if your breathing suddenly worsens (quick-relief drugs). Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you have new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, wheezing, increased sputum, worsening peak flow meter readings, waking up at night with trouble breathing, if you use your quick-relief inhaler more often (more than 2 days a week), or if your quick-relief inhaler does not seem to be working well. Learn when you can treat sudden breathing problems by yourself and when you must get medical help right away.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Side Effects

Nervousness, dizziness, shaking (tremor), trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, or sweating may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps/weakness
• increased thirst/urination

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• chest pain
• rapid breathing
• confusion

Rarely, this medication has caused severe (rarely fatal), sudden worsening of breathing problems/asthma (paradoxical bronchospasm). If you experience sudden wheezing, get medical help right away.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using terbutaline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar bronchodilators (such as salbutamol, salmeterol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• diabetes
• heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, angina, previous heart attack)
• high blood pressure
• seizure
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, heart rate, EKG, blood potassium levels, blood sugar) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Avoid allergens/irritants that can worsen breathing problems, such as smoke, pollen, pet dander, dust, or molds.

Learn to use a peak flow meter, use it daily, and promptly report worsening breathing problems (such as readings in the yellow/red range, increased use of quick-relief inhalers).

Because the flu virus can worsen breathing problems, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have a flu shot every year.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).