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Terbutaline FAQ

In Maryland, Washington, D.C.,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware

What is Terbutaline?

Terbutaline sulfate is an asthma medication prescribed to relieve and prevent attacks of asthma (including exercise-induced asthma). Terbutaline is a generic name; it is also sold under the brand names Brethine and Bricanyl. Terbutaline is also widely prescribed to women who are pregnant to control preterm labor.

How is Terbutaline Administered?

Terbutaline can be given as an injection or intravenously for short-term use (48-72 hours, or less). For cases requiring long-term use, it is either administered orally (in a pill), intravenously, or via an infusion pump known as the terbutaline pump.

What is the Terbutaline Pump?

The terbutaline pump is an infusion pump that delivers the drug subcutaneously (under the skin). Intermittent high and low doses are delivered over a 24-hour time frame. It is often prescribed on an outpatient basis and is usually chosen when the oral form is ineffective, for long-term treatment (more than 72 hours), or to reduce an expecting mother's stay in the hospital.

Are There Alternatives to Terbutaline?

Postponing or preventing preterm labor is sometimes accomplished through bed rest, drinking more fluids, and restricting activities. Other preterm labor drugs include indomethacin (an arthritis or inflammation reducing drug), liquid magnesium sulfate (epsom salts), Procardia (nifedipine-a heart medication), or Ritodrine which is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved tocolytic (preterm labor drug).

Has the FDA Approved Terbutaline?

The FDA has approved the use of terbutaline for treating asthma symptoms. However, terbutaline is widely given to women to control preterm labor.

Will Using Terbutaline Harm My Baby?

According to recent scientific studies, terbutaline may cause cognitive developmental problems in an infant if the mother was given terbutaline during preterm labor. A child also may be predisposed to developing greater brain damage as he or she grows when exposed to common chemicals such as pesticides.

What is Preterm Labor?

Preterm labor is labor beginning before your 37th week of pregnancy. A normal-term pregnancy lasts from 38-42 weeks. Preterm labor is a concern because a baby may not have had enough time to develop and may have health problems or developmental issues. A woman carrying multiple infants (twins, etc.) usually has a higher risk of going into preterm labor. Studies show that there is a higher risk of injury to male twins when terbutaline is used to control preterm labor.

What are the Side Effects to a Mother Using Terbutaline?

A woman may experience many side effects from preterm use of terbutaline including increased heart rate, jitteriness, nervousness, and tremors (especially in her hands). Other possible effects may consist of dizziness, headaches, heightened blood sugar levels, nausea, irregular heartbeat (cardiac or cardiopulmonary arrhythmias), and pounding heart and/or rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). Potentially severe side effects, although rare, include angina, low blood calcium, low blood potassium, severe low blood pressure, and seizures.

Does Terbutaline Work for Controlling Preterm Labor?

There are no conclusive studies that prove that terbutaline is effective at controlling or preventing preterm labor. It may be effective when used on a short-term basis only (no longer than 24-72 hours). According to the FDA, "no benefit from prolonged treatment has been documented."

If you were prescribed terbutaline (also known as Brethine or Bricanyl) for preterm labor, and you believe you or your child is suffering serious side effects from the administration of that drug, please contact us. We represent terbutaline injury victims in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

E-mail or call one of our terbutaline injury attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation and evaluation of your case today.