Clinical medicine profile
Terbutaline sulphate
Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator)
- Route
- INHALATION / ORAL / NEB / IV (rare)
- Schedule
- POM
- ATC
- Not assigned
- PPB status
- registered
This profile needs source confirmation
A traceable source link is not attached to this profile. Confirm prescribing decisions against the current SmPC and Kenya STG/EML.
Safety essentials
The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity.
- LABA monotherapy in asthma is contraindicated — always with ICS.
Precautions
- Paradoxical bronchospasm.
- Hypokalaemia with high dose/nebs especially with steroids/diuretics/xanthines.
- CV disease: tachycardia/arrhythmia risk.
- Thyrotoxicosis caution.
Dosing matrix
Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.
Initially 2.5 mg TID or QID. Maintenance: 5 mg TID (Max. 15 mg/day)
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Low for inhaled; monitor electrolytes if continuous nebs.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Low clinical concern for inhaled therapy.
Use, effects & interactions
Indications
- Bronchospasm in asthma, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, ephysema, bronchiectasis, premature labour.
- Clinical selection for Terbutaline sulphate should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Beta-2 adrenergic agonist (bronchodilator).
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Adverse effects
- Tachycardia, skeletal muscle cramp, palpitation, headaches, severe emotional disturbances, resistance after prolonged use, acidosis, GI disturbances, hypokaleamia, sweat
Drug interactions
Open multi-drug checker ↗- Assess inhaler technique every visit.
- Increasing SABA use = uncontrolled disease — step up controller therapy.
- Never prescribe LABA alone for asthma.
Mechanism & disposition
It stimulates Beta-agonist in the lungs to relax bronchial smooth muscle, thereby relieving bronchospasm.
Read complete mechanism
It stimulates Beta-agonist in the lungs to relax bronchial smooth muscle, thereby relieving bronchospasm. This action may result from increased production of cAMP and ensuing reduction in intracellular calcium concentration caused by activation of the enzyme adenylate cyclase that catalyzes the conversion ATP to cAMP. Increased cAMP concentrations, in addition to relaxing bronchial smooth muscle, inhibit release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.
Minutes (SABA)
3–6 h SABA; 12 h LABA
INHALATION / ORAL / NEB / IV (rare)
causes tremor/tachycardia. Hepatic
of many agents.
Pregnancy, lactation & diet
Inhaled salbutamol widely used; uncontrolled asthma risk > drug risk.
Inhaled therapy generally compatible.
Brands & loaded prices
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | Observed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| No reviewed brand listings are linked yet. | |||
Sources & review state
Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.