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Home > Drug Category > Asthma Medication/ Respiratory Disorders > Brethine and Equivalent

Brethine Information

Brethine (Terbutaline) treats wheezing and shortness of breath resulting from conditions affecting the lungs. Controlling these symptoms can help reduce time lost from work or school. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, and emphysema are common lung problems. These conditions cause airway obstruction and breathing difficulties. Brethine was also previously used to try and stop premature labor. However, this use is limited due to severe potential side effects. Bronchodilators like Terbutaline work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Brethine Side Effects

The most common side effects of Brethine may include headache, dizziness, sweating, sleeping difficulties, and drowsiness. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Chest pain;
• High blood sugar levels;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Worsening breathing problems

Brethine Precautions

Do not use Brethine if you are allergic to Terbutaline or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have high blood pressure, Irregular heart rhythm, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, seizures, hypokalemia, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Brethine and other medications, such as propranolol, furosemide, amitriptyline, etc. Do not use Brethine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. This medicine should not be used in pregnancy as it poses a significant risk to mother and child. Using this medicine in pregnancy can cause adverse reactions such as increased heart rate, transient hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, and myocardial ischemia. Do not use Brethine while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. Terbutaline passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. The safety and effectiveness of Brethine in children younger than 12 years old have not been established.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Brethine comes as a tablet and turbuhaler. Swallow the Brethine tablet whole. Do not break, chew, or crush it. You can take this medication with or without food. Brethine Turbuhaler is a dry powder inhaler used to deliver terbutaline. Unscrew and lift off the cover of the Turbuhaler. Hold the Turbuhaler upright with the mouthpiece facing up. Turn the grip as far as it will go in one direction and then back again until you hear a click. This click indicates that a dose has been loaded. Breathe out fully, away from the Turbuhaler. Place the mouthpiece between your lips and close your lips tightly around it. Inhale deeply and forcefully through the Turbuhaler. Remove the Turbuhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as is comfortably possible. Breathe out slowly. Replace the cover tightly after each use. Rinsing your mouth with water and spitting it out can help prevent oral thrush. Regularly clean the mouthpiece with a dry cloth. Do not use water. If your doctor recommends using this medication daily, use it regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it. Avoid situations that may worsen your respiratory condition, such as exercising in cold, dry air, smoking, breathing in dust, and exposure to allergens such as pet fur. This drug can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid drinking alcohol when using this medicine. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Store Brethine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Brethine?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Brethine.