Terbutaline
Also known as: Brethine, Bricanyl, Monovent
- **Purpose:** Terbutaline is used to open up the airways in the lungs, making it easier for your pet to breathe. - **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not stop the medication abruptly unless instructed. - **Side Effects:** You may notice your pet's heart beating faster than normal, mild tremors, or jitteriness/nervousness. These effects are usually mild and temporary. - **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet's breathing worsens, if they collapse, or if they become acutely ill.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For acute exacerbations of feline asthma treated at home
- For feline asthma
- For bradyarrhythmias
- For acute bronchoconstriction (initial crisis)
- For use as a quantitative intradermal terbutaline sweat test (QITST) to identify anhidrosis
- General bronchodilation
- For a trial to treat intrathoracic tracheal collapse, expiratory cough or dyspnea and marked exercise intolerance
- As a bronchodilator in chronic bronchitis
- For bradyarrhythmias
- For treatment of premature labor
- For tracheal collapse
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Tremors
- CNS excitement (nervousness)
- Dizziness
- Sweating (reported in horses after parenteral injection)
- Transient hypokalemia
- Tachycardia
- Muscle tremors
- Restlessness or excitement
- Hypokalemia (with high doses or prolonged use)
- Hypertension or hypotension
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to terbutaline
- Heart disease (especially congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy)
- Known hypersensitivity to terbutaline or sympathomimetic amines
- Severe cardiac arrhythmias
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (relative contraindication)
- Use with extreme caution in patients with **diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, seizure disorders, or cardiac disease** (especially with concurrent arrhythmias). > **Note:** Terbutaline can cause transient hypokalemia. If an animal is susceptible to developing hypokalemia, additional serum potassium monitoring should be performed early in therapy.
Drug interactions
- Inhalation Anesthetics (e.g., halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane): May predispose the patient to ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with preexisting cardiac disease; use cautiously.
- Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents (e.g., propranolol): May antagonize the bronchodilating and cardiovascular actions of terbutaline.
- Digoxin: Concurrent use with digitalis glycosides may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): May potentiate the vascular effects of terbutaline.
- Other Sympathomimetics: May increase the risk of developing adverse cardiovascular effects.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: May potentiate the vascular effects of terbutaline.
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): Antagonize the bronchodilating effects of terbutaline
- Sympathomimetics: Additive cardiovascular toxicity and CNS stimulation
- Inhalant anesthetics (e.g., halothane): Sensitize the myocardium, increasing the risk of severe arrhythmias
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) / MAOIs: May potentiate vascular effects
Frequently asked questions
What is Terbutaline used for in pets?
- **Purpose:** Terbutaline is used to open up the airways in the lungs, making it easier for your pet to breathe. - **Administration:** Give exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not stop the medication abruptly unless instructed. - **Side Effects:** You may notice your pet's heart beating faster than normal, mild tremors, or jitteriness/nervousness. These effects are usually mild and temporary. - **When to Call the Vet:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet's breathing worsens, if they collapse, or if they become acutely ill.
Is Terbutaline safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app