terbutaline inhalation Health Article

Generic name(s):

terbutaline inhalation

Brand name(s):

terbutaline, Brethaire

What is the most important information I should know about terbutaline inhalation?

It is very important that you use the terbutaline inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. You doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

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.

What is terbutaline inhalation?

Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Terbutaline inhalation is used to treat conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Terbutaline inhalation may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using terbutaline inhalation?

Before using terbutaline inhalation, tell your doctor if you have

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;

• diabetes;

• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism); or

• liver or kidney disease.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with terbutaline inhalation if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Terbutaline is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use terbutaline inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether terbutaline passes into breast milk. Do not use terbutaline inhalation without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Terbutaline inhalation is not approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I use terbutaline inhalation?

Use terbutaline inhalation exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Shake the inhaler several times and uncap the mouthpiece. Breathe out fully. For best results, hold the inhaler 1 to 2 inches in front of your open mouth or attach a spacer to the inhaler and place the spacer in your mouth, above your tongue and past your teeth. Take a deep, slow breath as you push down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. If you place the inhaler directly into your mouth, you may not receive the correct amount of medicine because it will be propelled onto the back of your tongue and/or throat. If you do use the inhaler directly in your mouth, be sure that it is above your tongue and past your teeth.

If you take more than one dose at a time, wait for at least 1 full minute, then repeat the procedure.

If you also use a steroid inhaler, use the terbutaline inhaler first to open up your airways, then use the steroid inhaler as directed.

It is very important that you use the terbutaline inhaler properly, so that the medicine gets into your lungs. Your doctor may want you to use a spacer with the inhaler. Talk to your doctor about proper inhaler use.

It is important to use terbutaline inhalation regularly to get the most benefit.

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 test or other medical evaluations during treatment with terbutaline inhalation to monitor progress and side effects.

Keep the inhaler clean and dry. Keep the mouthpiece capped to avoid getting dirt inside it. The inhaler can be cleaned by removing the canister and immersing the mouthpiece in warm water or alcohol. Allow the parts to dry, then reassemble the inhaler.

Carry the inhaler with you at all times in case of emergencies. Get a refill before you run out of medicine and before going on vacation.