Terbutaline; Indications/Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interaction ,Pregnancy

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 2 min read

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Terbutaline is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist used as a bronchodilator and tocolytic. Terbutaline Sulfate is the sulfate salt form of terbutaline, an ethanolamine derivative with bronchodilating and tocolytic properties. Terbutaline sulfate selectively binds to and activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors, leading to intracellular adenyl cyclase activation via a trimeric G protein and subsequent increase in cyclic cAMP production. Increased cAMP levels result in relaxation of bronchial and vascular smooth muscle mediated through the activation of...

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This article explains Mechanism of Action of Terbutaline in simple medical language.
This article explains References in simple medical language.

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Terbutaline is a selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist used as a bronchodilator and tocolytic. Terbutaline Sulfate is the sulfate salt form of terbutaline, an ethanolamine derivative with bronchodilating and tocolytic properties. Terbutaline sulfate selectively binds to and activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors, leading to intracellular adenyl cyclase activation via a trimeric G protein and subsequent increase in cyclic cAMP production. Increased cAMP levels result in relaxation of bronchial and vascular smooth muscle mediated through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates proteins in control of muscle tone. cAMP also inhibits calcium ion release from intracellular stores, reduces calcium entry into cells and induces the sequestration of intracellular calcium all of which aids the relaxation of airway muscles. Terbutaline sulfate also increases mucociliary clearance and reduces the release of inflammatory cell mediators.

Definition

Terbutaline is a β₂ adrenergic receptor agonist, used as a “reliever” inhaler in the management of asthma symptoms and as a tocolytic (anti-contraction medication) to delay preterm labor for up to 48 hours.

Mechanism of Action of Terbutaline

The pharmacologic effects of terbutaline are at least in part attributable to stimulation through beta-adrenergic receptors of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic- 3′,5′- adenosine monophosphate (c-AMP). Increased c-AMP levels are associated with relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.

Indications

Bronchospasm
Premature Labour

##The Drug should not use due to it major side effect..……

References

DrugBank

Terbutaline

http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00871
http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00871#targets
http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00871#enzymes
EPA DSStox

Terbutaline

https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/dsstoxdb/results?search=DTXSID7021310
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

terbutaline

https://echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals
European Chemicals Agency – ECHA

terbutaline

https://www.echa.europa.eu
Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)

Terbutaline

http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB0015009
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health – NIOSH

Benzyl alcohol, alpha-((t-butylamino)methyl)-3,5-dihydroxy-

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh-rtecs/DN88B800.html
ClinicalTrials.gov

terbutaline

https://clinicaltrials.gov/
DailyMed

TERBUTALINE SULFATE

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=TERBUTALINE+SULFATE

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Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

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Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
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