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Short-acting β2-agonist (SABA)

Terbutaline sulfate

Brand names: Bricanyl

Terbutaline sulfate is the salt form of the short-acting beta-2 agonist terbutaline, used as a bronchodilator for reversible airways obstruction in asthma and related conditions. It is formulated for inhalation and for subcutaneous or intravenous use.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

The drug selectively activates beta-2 adrenoceptors on bronchial smooth muscle, increasing cyclic AMP and relaxing the airways to relieve bronchospasm.

Prescribing in practice

  • Rising reliever requirement indicates poor asthma control and should prompt urgent review of preventer treatment rather than dose escalation alone.
  • Caution applies in ischaemic heart disease, arrhythmias, hyperthyroidism and diabetes, with awareness of hypokalaemia compounded by steroids, xanthines and diuretics.
  • Parenteral and high nebulised doses may produce tremor, tachycardia and hypokalaemia, warranting monitoring in acute severe asthma.

Monitoring

Monitor symptom control, reliever use and, with high-dose or parenteral therapy, serum potassium and heart rate.

Counselling the patient

  • Use only for symptom relief and seek help promptly if breathlessness is not controlled.
  • Tremor and palpitations can occur shortly after a dose and typically pass.

Evidence & guidelines

As a long-established SABA salt, terbutaline sulfate has well-characterised bronchodilator efficacy supporting its reliever role in UK practice.

Reference: BTS/SIGN; MHRA; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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