Terbutaline: What Is It For?

Terbutaline  is a bronchodilator medicine  that belongs to the group of β2-adrenergic receptor agonist medicines.

Therefore, it is  mainly indicated for the short-term treatment of asthma. However, it is also used to fight other diseases, such as those that cause pulmonary obstruction, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The FDA (sanitary control agency, such as ANVISA in Brazil) authorized the use of the substance in children of all ages,  due to the fact that it is available in liquid presentations for its administration in the form of nebulization with aerosols.

Namely, it  is a drug that can be positive in anti-doping tests. Furthermore, it can also cause cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and extrasystoles. However, we will look at the adverse effects in more detail throughout this article.

How is asthma triggered?

It is important to know, even if in general,  the main disease indicated for treatment with terbutaline. In this way, it is possible to better understand the mechanism of action and characteristics of the drug.

In this sense, asthma is a disease of the upper respiratory tract. During an asthma attack, the bronchi narrow and become inflamed. Therefore, the patient has trouble breathing. In addition, it can produce wheezing when doing so, still cause coughing or a severe lack of oxygen.

The causes of this disease are not clearly identified. However, experts agree that,  certainly, both environmental and genetic factors are involved  in the development of this disease.

Furthermore,  exposure to a number of factors makes asthma worse. However, these triggers vary from person to person, as does the severity of symptoms. Among the most common irritants and triggers, it is possible to mention:

• Pollen, mites and animal hair.
• Sport.
• Cold air.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Certain foods and medications.

How does terbutaline work in the body?

As mentioned,  this substance is a β2 adrenergic receptor agonist, having  negligible effects on α receptors.

Activation of β2 receptors triggers, among other actions, bronchodilation. Due to the fact that the lung contains a large amount of receptors, terbutaline produces a potent bronchodilation, which justifies its indication for asthma episodes.

On the other hand, it is important to consider that  this medication can trigger tolerance  in the patient who uses it. Furthermore, it has been shown in clinical trials that the continuous use of β2 agonists for a period longer than 12 months can accelerate the deterioration of the respiratory system in asthmatic patients.

Furthermore, it  is worth mentioning that terbutaline also exerts effects on the heart,  as this organ also has many β2 receptors. Therefore, this medication, like all β2 agonists, are cardio stimulants. However, terbutaline is a medication used specifically to try to reverse recurrent bronchial asthma attacks and acute bronchospasm.

Adverse reactions of terbutaline

As with all commercialized drugs,  terbutaline is not exempt from producing a series of adverse effects  that must be considered when administering this drug.

Misuse of this substance can have serious health consequences. Thus, always follow the instructions of both the doctor and the pharmacist and always inform about any discomfort you feel since the beginning of treatment with the drug.

Regarding the  adverse reactions that usually arise with the treatment of β2 agonist drugs, such  as terbutaline, it is possible to mention the most common:

• Tremor.
• Headache or headache.
• Dizziness.
• Anxiety.
• Tachycardias and palpitations.
• Muscle cramps.

On the other hand,  it can also produce, albeit paradoxically, a bronchospasm. If this occurs, another bronchodilator medication should be administered immediately.

Conclusion

However, as these receptors are also found in other organs,  terbutaline can also trigger other unwanted effects  that, even if expected, it is good to consider them when starting treatment with this drug.