NAME OF DRUG
GENERIC NAME
Terbutaline sulfate
BRAND NAME
Brethine,Brethaire
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Terbutaline is a selective beta-2
adrenergic receptor
agonist. Agonism of these
receptors in bronchioles activates
adenylyl cyclase, increasing
intracellular cyclic adenosine
monophosphate (cAMP). In low
doses, it acts at beta-2 adrenergic
receptor to cause relaxation of
smooth muscle in the bronchiole
and finally relaxing the muscles
of the uterus.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Contraindications:
-Hypersensitivity to
sympathomimetic
-Cardiac dysrhythmias
- Tachycardia and
tachydysrhythmias
-Glaucoma
-General anesthesia with
halogenated hydrocarbons
or cyclopropane
At higher doses, beta-2 will
selectively lost and the drug will
act as beta-1, receptors to
produce a clinically significant
cardiovascular effect
Precautions:
CLASSIFICATION
Therapeutic Class:
Bronchodilator
Sympathomimetic
Antasthmatic
Pharmacologic Class:
Beta- selective
adrenergic
antagonist
-Diabetes, Coronary
insufficiency CAD,
-History of CVA, COPD
patient, Hyperthyroidism,
-History of seizure
disorder, Hypertension
SIDE EFFECTS
-Nausea
-Flushing
-Headache
-Toxicity
respiratory depression,
cardiac arrest, altered
LOC, decreased DTRs,
pulmonary edema,
-Neonatal hypotonia
NURSING
RESPONSIBILITIES
ADVERSE EFFECTS
CNS: Restlessness,

apprehension, anxiety, fear, 
CNS stimulation, Insomnia, 
tremor, drowsiness,

Irritability, weakness, vertigo,
headache, seizure
Before:
- Observe 15 rights of drug
administration
- Reduce dosage with hepatic
or renal failure
-Assess for hypersensitivity to
drug
CV: Cardiac arrhythmias,
palpitations, angina pain,
changes in BP and ECG
-Assess for any
contraindications to the drug
-Educate about the side
effects of the drug
GI: Nausea, vomiting,
heartburn, bad taste in mouth
Respiratory: Respiratory
difficulties, pulmonary edema,
coughing, bronchospasm
 During:
 -Do not use for > 72 hours
Other: Sweating, paller,

flushing, muscle cramps
 -Monitor blood glucose




-Assess the maternal heart
rate and the FHR pattern
before and after each dose
-Hold dose and notify OB /
midwife for FHR > 180
indeterminate or abnormal
FHR; maternal heart rate >
120 beats per minute;
palpitations; respirations > 30
breaths per
minute, pulmonary crackles,
SpO2 < 95%