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Drug

Terbutaline

Pronounced

"ter-BYOO-ta-leen"

Uses

Terbutaline is used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath from lung problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, bronchitis, emphysema). Terbutaline belongs to a class of drugs known as bronchodilators. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily.

Warning

Terbutaline should not be used for more than 2-3 days when treating early labor. Using terbutaline for prevention or prolonged treatment (greater than 2-3 days) of early labor has risks to the mother that are greater than any possible benefits. Serious (sometimes fatal) side effects have rarely occurred in mothers using terbutaline during labor, such as chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeats, and trouble breathing. Tell your doctor right away should any of these side effects occur. If you are pregnant or become pregnant and are using terbutaline for another medical condition (such as asthma), talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether terbutaline is still right for you.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication is also used in pregnant women for no more than 2-3 days to stop early labor. See Warning Section.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor. The injection is given in the shoulder/upper arm area. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more than 0.5 milligrams of this medication over a 4-hour period.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

If you take other asthma drugs by mouth or with inhaling devices, ask your doctor about how to correctly use this medication with your other asthma medicines.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.