Brand name:
Brethine
Pronounced: Breath-EEN
Generic name:
Terbutaline sulfate
Why is Brethine prescribed?
Brethine is a bronchodilator (a medication that opens the
bronchial tubes), prescribed for the prevention and relief of
bronchial spasms in asthma. This medication is also used for the
relief of bronchial spasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema.
Most important fact about Brethine
If you experience an immediate allergic reaction or a worsening
of a bronchial spasm, notify your doctor immediately.
How should you take Brethine?
Take Brethine exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
The action of Brethine may last up to 8 hours. Do not use it more
frequently than recommended.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. Then take the rest of your
medication for that day in evenly spaced doses. Do not take 2 doses
at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away
from light.
Brethine side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Brethine.
- Side effects may include:
Chest discomfort,
difficulty in breathing,
dizziness,
drowsiness,
fast, fluttery heartbeat,
flushed feeling,
headache,
increased heart rate,
nausea,
nervousness,
pain at injection site,
rapid heartbeat,
sweating,
tremors,
vomiting,
weakness
Why should Brethine not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to
Brethine or similar drugs such as Ventolin, you should not take this
medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you
have experienced.
Special warnings about Brethine
When taking Brethine, you should not use other asthma medications
before checking with your doctor. Only your doctor can determine
what is a sufficient amount of time between doses. If you find that
Brethine is not working, tell your doctor immediately.
Consult with your doctor before using Brethine if you have
diabetes, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid gland, or if
you have had seizures at any time.
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this
medication if you have heart disease, especially if you also have an
irregular heart rate.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Brethine
If Brethine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Brethine with
the following:
Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate,
others)
Beta blockers (blood pressure medications such as Inderal and
Tenormin)
Diuretics (water pills, such as Lasix or HydroDIURIL)
Other bronchodilators such as Proventil and Ventolin
Tricyclic antidepressant drugs such as Elavil and Tofranil
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Brethine during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. It is not known whether Brethine appears in
breast milk. If Brethine is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to stop nursing your baby until your treatment is
finished.
Recommended dosage for Brethine
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any drug taken or used in excess can have serious consequences.
Signs of a Brethine overdose are the same as the side effects. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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