Terbutaline injection

What is this medicine?

TERBUTALINE (ter BYOO ta leen) is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in your lungs to make it easier to breathe. This medicine is used to treat and to prevent bronchospasm.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions such as skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• dizziness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• muscle cramps

• seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxious or nervous

• flushing

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• pain or swelling at site where injected

• sweating

• tremor

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cocaine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• probucol

• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• diuretics

• medicines for colds or breathing problems

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for sleep

• medicines for the heart

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• diabetes

• heart disease or irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• over active thyroid

• seizures

• an unusual or allergic reaction to terbutaline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If your asthma or bronchitis gets worse while you are using this medicine, call your doctor right away.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.