Sometimes it suddenly becomes difficult to breathe, right? The chest is constricted, and a wheezing sound is heard. This is something we often see in conditions like asthma. So, today we are talking about a special injection that is given as an emergency treatment in a hospital, which makes breathing easier. This is called Terbutaline. Let's take a simple look at this medicine.
What is Terbutaline?
Simply put, terbutaline is a medication that widens the airways, or tubes, in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. In conditions like asthma, the muscles around these airways tighten, blocking the airways. In medical terms, we call this `(Bronchospasm)`.
Imagine someone squeezing a water pipe. It's hard for the water to flow, isn't it? That's how it becomes hard to breathe. What the terbutaline injection does is relax the constricted muscles and open up the airways again. Then the constriction disappears and you can breathe more easily.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
It is very important that you give your doctor a complete account of your health before you are given this medicine. Especially if you have any of the following medical conditions, be sure to tell them about them.
- Diabetes Mellitus: This means high blood sugar levels.
- Any type of heart disease: things like chest pain, changes in heart rate.
- High blood pressure.
- An irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm problem.
- Pheochromocytoma: This is a specific tumor that occurs in the adrenal gland.
- Seizures: This is a medical condition that causes fits.
- Thyroid disease.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to terbutaline or any other medicine, food, dyes or preservatives.
Providing this information accurately will greatly help the doctor treat you safely.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a pill you take or an inhaler you use at home. Terbutaline is an injection you give under the skin. Most importantly, this is not a medicine you take home .
This injection is only given by a doctor or trained nursing staff in a hospital or clinic , so you don't need to worry about the dose or how to store it.
Although this medicine is given to children over 12 years of age in some special cases, only your doctor can decide.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is given in a hospital, the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately inform the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Terbutaline is a drug that can interact with some other medications, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Things that may interact | |
|---|---|
| Things you should never take with terbutaline | |
| |
| Other drugs and substances that can cause problems with terbutaline | |
|
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, terbutaline can cause some side effects. While some of these are not serious, some require immediate attention.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor or nursing staff immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rhythm | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Increased blood pressure, muscle pain or stiffness, seizures. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor side effects | Anxiety, restlessness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, tremors, insomnia, dry mouth. |
Chewing sugar-free gum, chewing a sweet snack, or drinking more water can help with dry mouth. But if it persists, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Terbutaline is an injection that is only given in a hospital or clinic for breathing problems such as asthma.
- Before undergoing this treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking.
- Notify medical staff immediately if you experience chest pain, very fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, or allergic symptoms (such as facial swelling).
- Remember that this is not a medicine to take home and use.
- If you have asthma, it is very important to discuss it with your doctor and create a specific 'Asthma Action Plan' for yourself.
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