Brethine
(Terbutaline)
Makes it easier to breathe.
Our bottom line
Brethine (Terbutaline) is effective at preventing asthma attacks, but isn’t the first choice. It’s generally well-tolerated, but let your doctor know if you feel more lightheaded or have a rapid heartbeat while taking this medicine.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (terbutaline)
Upsides
- Brethine (Terbutaline) is effective at preventing and reversing constriction in the airways due to asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
- Available in a generic form.
- Good choice for asthma if you find it hard to use inhalers properly.
Downsides
- Only lasts about six hours.
- Can raise your blood sugars. If you have diabetes, check your sugars regularly and let your doctor know if they’re higher than usual.
- Takes about 30 to 45 minutes to start working, so it won’t help an asthma attack once it starts.
Brethine (Terbutaline) is a bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles in your lungs to open airways and make breathing easier.
- Drug class: Respiratory
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (terbutaline)
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free discount
$51.35 - Get free coupon
$53.32
Side effect rates for Brethine (Terbutaline)
- Nervousness35%35%
- Tremor15%15%
- Headache8%8%
- Somnolence6%6%
- Palpitations5%5%
- Dizziness4%4%
- Tachycardia4%4%
- Nausea3%3%
- Insomnia2%2%
- Extrasystoles ventricular2%2%
- Dry Mouth2%2%
- Asthenia2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Terbutaline.
People taking Terbutaline felt side effect more
People taking Terbutaline felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Brethine (Terbutaline)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Even though Brethine (Terbutaline) is used to treat asthma, sometimes it can actually make peoples’ airways more cramped, so it’s harder to breathe. If you're feeling short of breath and it's not going away, seek medical attention immediately.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication prevents and reverses bronchospasms.Common concerns from people taking Brethine (Terbutaline)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.