Terbutaline It is a β2 adrenergic receptor agonist, used as a reliever inhaler in the management of asthma symptoms.
It is also a tocolytic delaying preterm labor for up to 48 hours.
Brand name Bricanyl .
Pregnancy category C
Routes of administration
Oral-tablets, oral solution, inhalation, nebulizer solution, SQ
Protein binding 25%
Metabolism: liver
Elimination half-life 11-16 hours
Excretion urine 90% (60% unchanged)
It is used as a fast-acting bronchodilator, as a short-term asthma treatment and as a tocolytic to delay premature labor.
The inhaled form of terbutaline starts working within 15 minutes and can last up to 6 hours.
Terbutaline as a treatment for premature labor is an off-label use, and is routinely prescribed to stop contractions.
Side effects:
Adult — tachycardia, anxiety, nervousness, tremors, headache, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, hypotension and, rarely, pulmonary edema.
Fetal — tachycardia and hypoglycemia
The tertiary butyl group in terbutaline makes it more selective for β2 receptors.
Brand names include Bronclyn, Brethine, Bricanyl, Brethaire, and Terbulin.