Terbutaline
BRETHINE
Pronunciation: ter-BYOO-ta-leen
What it isBeta-2 agonist; bronchospasm, and historically tocolysis.
Why this oneA subcutaneous route is available when inhalation is impossible.
What limits it⚑ Not for prolonged tocolysis — maternal cardiac events and death followed that use. Tremor, tachycardia and hypokalemia.
FDA-approved for
- bronchospasm (~1974)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
BOXED WARNING Tocolysis: oral terbutaline not approved for acute/maintenance tocolysis; serious maternal adverse reactions including death, arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, myocardial ischemia reported in pregnant women.
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronchospasm (asthma / reversible obstructive airway disease) | Adults | 5 mg TID (~q6h during waking hours) | 2.5 mg TID if side effects disturbing | 15 mg/24h |
| Bronchospasm | Children 12–15 yr | 2.5 mg TID | 2.5 mg TID | 7.5 mg/24h |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Do not exceed 15 mg/24h (adults) or 7.5 mg/24h (age 12–15)
Instructions
- Take during hours the patient is usually awake
- Not recommended in children under 12 years
Available strengths
- tab 2.5, 5 mg
- inj 1 mg/mL
Cautions
- Do not use for tocolysis — serious maternal/fetal harm including death
- Sympathomimetic effects: nervousness, tremor, tachycardia
- Failure of a previously effective dose may signal worsening asthma requiring reassessment
Adverse reactions
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Somnolence
- Palpitations
- Tachycardia
- Headache
- Nausea
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Terbutaline (BRETHINE)
What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26
Generic entry2001
⚠ BOXED WARNING
- Not approved for prolonged tocolysis
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryC
Defining liabilityTremor, tachycardia or anticholinergic effects; excessive beta-agonist exposure can cause hypokalemia and arrhythmia.