Terbuteline (brethine)

Question 1

What does terbutaline do?

Answer 1

stimulates sympathetic receptors in the respiratory system (b2 agonist)
Dilates lower airways ( bronchodilator )
Stops labor contractions by lowering intracellular calcium levels (tocolytic)

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action ?

Answer 2

it is a beta 2 agonist
bronchodilator
stops cellular contractions

Question 3

Why would you not give terbutaline?

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity

tachydysrhytmias

Question 4

Why would you give terbutaline/brethine?

Answer 4

bronchospasm
Copd/asthma ( to open up bronchioles)
to stop labor contractions

Question 5

Side effects of terbutaline/brethine?

Answer 5

may feel headache
restlessness
anxiety 
wheezing 
coughing 
ekg changes

Question 6

What if I mix it with another drug?

Answer 6

Synergism (enhances) other sympathomimetics

antagonizes (may not work) with beta blockers

Question 7

Whats the dose?

Answer 7

Adult: 0.25 mg subcutaneous
may repeat in 15-30 min. MAX dose. 0.5 mg in a 4 hour period

not recommended for children under 12 years