Brethine Medication - Uses & Side Effects

TERBUTALINE (Brethine®, Bricanyl®) is a bronchodilator, a medicine that opens up your air passages and makes breathing easier. It is a medicine for people with lung problems such as severe asthma and bronchospasm. Generic terbutaline injections are available.

Terbutaline is a bronchodilator, a medication that dilates the air passages in the lungs. It attaches to receptors on the muscle cells lining the air passages (beta adrenergic receptors ) causing the muscles to relax, and in so doing it increases the diameter of the air passages so that more air can flow in and out of the lungs during breathing. Terbutaline also relaxes some other types of smooth muscles, such as the muscles of the uterus. Brethine is a bronchodilator (a medication that opens the bronchial tubes), prescribed for the prevention and relief of bronchial spasms in asthma. This medication is also used for the relief of bronchial spasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema. Terbutaline is a bronchodilator. Terbutaline works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.

Brethine Dosage

• The usual tablet dose is 5 milligrams taken at approximately 6-hour intervals, 3 times per day during waking hours. If side effects are excessive, your doctor may reduce your dose to 2.5 milligrams, 3 times per day.
• Do not take more than 15 milligrams in a 24-hour period.
• For children 12 to 15 years of age, the usual dose is 2.5 milligrams, 3 times per day, not to exceed a total of 7.5 milligrams in a 24-hour period.

Uses of Brethine

• Terbutaline is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Terbutaline may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Brethine

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Brethine. Side effects may include:

• Chest discomfort, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, fast, fluttery heartbeat, flushed feeling, headache, increased heart rate, nausea, nervousness, pain at injection site, rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremors, vomiting, weakness.

Warnings and precautions before taking Brethine:

• When taking Brethine, you should not use other asthma medications before checking with your doctor. Only your doctor can determine what is a sufficient amount of time between doses. If you find that Brethine is not working, tell your doctor immediately.
• Consult with your doctor before using Brethine if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid gland, or if you have had seizures at any time.
• Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you have heart disease, especially if you also have an irregular heart rate.
• This medicine may cause your blood sugar levels to rise, which could change the amount of insulin or diabetes medicine that you need to take.

Drug Interaction :- If Brethine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Brethine with the following:

• Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate, others)
  
• Beta blockers (blood pressure medications such as Inderal and Tenormin)
  
• Diuretics (water pills, such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL)
  
• Other bronchodilators such as Proventil and Ventolin
  
• Tricyclic antidepressant drugs such as Elavil and Tofranil

Overdose

Any drug taken or used in excess can have serious consequences. Signs of a Brethine overdose are the same as the side effects. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a terbutaline overdose may include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.