Terbutaline sulphate Intravenous for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

See monitoring requirements
In situations where the inhaled route is not appropriate for bronchodilation, the preferred route is the intramuscular or subcutaneous route
Terbutaline (and other Beta₂ agonists) are no longer recommended for inhibiting pre-term labour. Use of high-dose short acting beta₂ agonists in obstetric indications has been associated with serious, sometimes fatal cardiovascular events in the mother and fetus, particularly when used for a prolonged period of time^{(ref BNF)}

Bricanyl 2,500 microgram per 5mL ampoule (2.5mg in 5mL) ^(unlicensed)

Bricanyl 500 microgram per 1mL ampoule

Already in solution

Glucose 5% or Sodium chloride 0.9%

Bronchodilator dose

Slow intravenous injection
- Give slowly over at least 3 minutes, noting patient response
- It may be diluted to 10mL with infusion fluid if required, to facilitate slow administration^{(ref 1)}
Continuous intravenous infusion (administer using an electronically controlled infusion device)
- Add 1.5 to 2.5mg to 500mL infusion fluid and administer over several hours (see 'dose')

Bronchodilator dose

Slow intravenous injection dose: 0.25 to 0.5mg up to four times daily
Infusion dose: Add 1.5 to 2.5mg to 500mL infusion fluid and administer at 30 to 60mL/hour for 8 to 10 hours (more than one bag may be required depending on each patients individual requirements)

Patients at risk of hypokalaemia should have serum potassium levels monitored
Diabetic patients should have additional blood glucose measurements performed when therapy is initiated
Lactic acidosis has been reported with high doses of intravenous terbutaline, particularly in patients being treated for acute asthma exacerbation

Store below 25⁰C

SPC November 2020

1: Local expert opinion - stable in these fluids, and slow administration otherwise difficult with small volumes

Selective beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist