Terbutaline
Terbutaline is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, making it easier to breathe. It is primarily used to treat and prevent bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and may also be used as a tocolytic agent to delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterus.
Terbutaline is a bronchodilator used to treat breathing difficulties in asthma, COPD, and occasionally to prevent preterm labor.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03AC03
- RxNorm
- 10368
- Generic
- Terbutaline
- Class
- atc-r03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
generaluse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
preterm labornot recommended for prolonged use
IV terbutaline for preterm labor is not recommended due to maternal cardiac risks
continuous maternal cardiac monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for signs of agitation or tachycardia
observe infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose, titrate slowly
increased sensitivity to beta-2 agonists in elderly, monitor for cardiovascular effects
regular cardiovascular monitoring, check for tremors
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12weight-based dosing, do not exceed recommended limits
use with caution in children, not recommended for prolonged use
monitor growth velocity with long-term use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose, extend dosing interval
adjust dose based on creatinine clearance, monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeuse with caution, may require dose reduction
metabolized in liver, monitor for increased effects
monitor liver function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification based on mechanism of action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Route of administration
Delivery method for bronchodilation
FDA approval year
Regulatory approval timeline
Terbutaline is used to treat and prevent bronchospasm associated with asthma, COPD, and other obstructive airway diseases. It may also be prescribed as a tocolytic agent to delay preterm labor by relaxing uterine muscles.
Terbutaline stimulates beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, causing relaxation of the airways and increased airflow to the lungs. As a tocolytic, it relaxes the smooth muscle of the uterus to delay premature delivery.
Terbutaline is typically administered via inhalation (metered-dose inhaler or nebulizer) for respiratory conditions. Common side effects may include tremor, tachycardia, and nervousness. It should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. Long-term use may lead to decreased effectiveness.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy