Terbutaline injection is sometimes used to stop or prevent premature labor in pregnant women, however, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. Terbutaline injection should only be given to women who are in a hospital and should not be used to treat premature labor for longer than 48 to 72 hours. Terbutaline has caused serious side effects, including death, in pregnant women who took the medication for this purpose. Terbutaline has also caused serious side effects in newborns whose mothers took the medication to stop or prevent labor.
Terbutaline injection is used to treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Terbutaline is in a class of medications called beta agonists. It works by relaxing and opening the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Terbutaline injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject under the skin. It is usually given by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility when needed to treat symptoms of asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. If the symptoms do not improve within 15-30 minutes after the first dose, another dose may be given. If the symptoms do not improve within 15-30 minutes after the second dose, a different treatment should be used.
Terbutaline injection is also sometimes used for a short period of time (less than 48 to 72 hours) to treat premature labor in pregnant women who are in a hospital. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
nervousness
dizziness
drowsiness
weakness
headache
nausea
vomiting
sweating
flushing (feeling of warmth)
pain at the injection site
increased difficulty breathing
tightening of the throat
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
chest pain
seizures
Terbutaline injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
chest pain
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
dizziness or fainting
nervousness
headache
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
excessive tiredness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
weakness
dry mouth
seizures
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about terbutaline injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 04/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.