DRUG STUDY

TERBUTALINE

Generic Name
Terbutaline

Brand Name
Not indicated.
Some brand names include:
 Bricanyl
 Brethine

Classification
 β2 Adrenergic Agonist
 Bronchodilator
 Tocolytic drug

Dosage
Adult:
250 mcg or 0.25 mg

Frequency
Order is STAT.
Drug may be repeated in q20min to 6 hr if substantial improvement does not occur.
Hold if pulse > 120 bpm

Route
Subcutaneous
Oral terbutaline have been discontinued due to dangerous side effects and safety concerns. Drug should
never be used for pregnant mothers because it doesn’t work and the side effects come with too high of a
risk.
Injectable terbutaline should only be used in urgent situations, and for no longer than 48 to 72 hours.
Mechanism of Action
Terbutaline is derived from a hormone called epinephrine, which is released when someone is under
stress. This response is part of the fight-or-flight response. Stress causes many of the muscles in the body
to contract so that a person is ready to respond quickly. However, there are certain muscles that relax
instead of contracting during times of stress. Smooth muscle is one type of muscle that relaxes when
someone is under stress.
Since most of a woman’s uterus is made up of smooth muscle, the uterus will relax in response to a drug
that contains certain substances, such as epinephrine. Therefore, terbutaline relaxes the uterine smooth
muscle.
Terbutaline is also considered as a tocolytic agent that is known to reduce uterine activity and pressure on
the fetus which are both vital in managing prolapse of the umbilical cord.

References:
Skidmore-Roth, L. (2019). Mosby’s 2019 Nursing Drug Reference, 32nd edition. Elsevier.
Healthline Editorial Team. (2017). Terbutaline and Its Use in Preterm Labor. Retrieved from
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/preterm-labor-terbutaline
Ogbru, O. (2019). Terbutaline (Brethine). Retrieved from
https://www.medicinenet.com/terbutaline/article.htm