Why is it prescribed?
Bricanyl® turbuhaler contains terbutaline sulfate.
Terbutaline is used to relieve symptoms of asthma as well as bronchospasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema.
Side Effects
Bricanyl® turbuhaler contains terbutaline sulfate.
Along with its needed effects, terbutaline may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, terbutaline is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The severity and duration of these effects are dependant on many factors including duration of therapy, dose, route of administration and individual response. Possible unwanted effects include:
- nervousness
- slight palpitations (awareness of heart beat)
- tremor
- restlessness
- headache
Uncommon:
- increased heart rate
- dizziness
- nausea
- muscle cramps
- trouble sleeping
- weakness
- flushing
Rare:
- restlessness
- irritability
- unusual taste
- angina (chest discomfort)
Many of these unwanted effects, especially the most common ones, may disappear with continued use. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if any of them continue or become bothersome.
Precautions and Warnings for Bricanyl® turbuhaler
Bricanyl® turbuhaler contains terbutaline sulfate
Use exactly as prescribed. Never exceed the maximum dosage set by your physician. If you find that you are not responding to your usual dose, it could mean that your asthma is worsening and you should contact your physician. Increasing the dose, especially over extended periods, can lead to tolerance. Keep in mind that the bronchodilator action should last between 4 to 7 hours. If you are using terbutaline for an acute asthma episode and the condition continues or worsens, stop using the terbutaline and call your doctor. If you need to use terbutaline to relieve symptoms more than 3 times a week you should also be using an anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. budesonide, fluticasone).
Drug Interactions: Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. The following drugs and drug classes have been known to interact with terbutaline: - MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline)
- some beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol)
- >other bronchodilators (e.g. salbutamol)
Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- allergy to terbutaline or any component of the preparation
- cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) associated with tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Caution recommended in the following situations:
- hyperthyroidism
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- cardiovascular disorders
- seizures (history)
- heart disease
- sensitivity to sympathomimetics (drugs that stimulate the central nervous system)
Use in pregnancy: Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect that you may be pregnant.
Use while breast-feeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breast-feeding.
Patient Information
Bricanyl® turbuhaler is effective as a rescue medication. Maximum response is usually attained between 15 and 60 minutes following administration and effects last for 4 to 7 hours.
To ensure administration of the proper dosage, your doctor or pharmacist should instruct you on the proper use and care of the turbuhaler. The device comes with an information pamphlet that should be read and kept for later reference.
The turbuhaler should be kept clean and dry at all times. Never breathe into the device or
use any fluids to clean it. Clean the outside of the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue.
This medication is so sensitive to moisture that the device has it's own built in drying agent located in the blue grip. If you shake the device, you can hear it.
Bricanyl® turbuhaler contains no other ingredients and you may not taste or feel anything when you inhale a dose.
The device has a dose indicator window located underneath the mouthpiece. When a red band appears in the window, there are approximately 20 doses left. The device is not refillable and should be discarded when empty.
Children using the device should be supervised by an adult who is familiar with it's proper use.
Always replace the cover after use and keep away from moisture.
Directions for Use
The usual dose for adults and children 6 years of age or older is 1 inhalation when required. If adequate relief was not achieved then a second inhalation may be taken after 5 minutes has passed. More than 6 inhalations should not be required in a 24 hour period.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
- asthma
- bronchitis
- COPD
- emphysema (COPD)
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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