Side Effects of terbutaline: A Synthesis of Findings from 15 Studies
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This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.
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Main research findings
Terbutaline is a bronchodilator used to treat asthma. Several studies have been conducted on the side effects of terbutaline. 4 reported that infusion of terbutaline sulfate (0.25 mg) was followed by increases in plasma insulin and blood glucose concentrations and by a decrease in plasma potassium. Similar metabolic changes were observed on the first day of oral terbutaline administration (5 mg, 3 times daily). 13 reported a case of stuttering priapism treated with salbutamol, a beta-2 agonist similar to terbutaline. 3 reviewed five years of experience using terbutaline for preterm labor and found a low rate of severe side effects. These findings suggest that terbutaline is an effective bronchodilator, but there is a risk of side effects.
Reasons for side effects
Side effects of terbutaline are thought to be caused by its action on beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Terbutaline works by acting on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation, but it can also act on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the heart and other tissues, leading to side effects. 11 suggests that terbutaline may interact with cell membrane models, which may affect its pharmacological activity.
Common side effects
Tremors
One of the most common side effects of terbutaline is tremors. 4 reported that hand tremor always increased after terbutaline, but to a lesser degree on days 5 and 13 than after the first oral dose. 1 compared terbutaline, salbutamol, and fenoterol and found that salbutamol caused the most intense tremors. 2 suggests that reducing the inhaled dose of terbutaline may reduce tremors.
Heart palpitations
Terbutaline can act on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the heart to increase heart rate. 4 reported that heart rate was moderately increased by terbutaline over the entire period of oral dosing. 1 found that salbutamol and fenoterol caused an increase in heart rate, while terbutaline caused a slight decrease. compared terbutaline and fenoterol and found that fenoterol caused a significantly greater increase in heart rate than terbutaline.
Nausea
Terbutaline can cause nausea. 3 reported that some patients experienced nausea after terbutaline administration. lists nausea as a long-term side effect of terbutaline.
Dizziness
Terbutaline can cause dizziness. lists dizziness as a long-term side effect of terbutaline.
Headache
Terbutaline can cause headaches. lists headaches as a long-term side effect of terbutaline.
Flushing
Terbutaline can cause flushing. lists flushing as a long-term side effect of terbutaline.
Increased blood sugar
Terbutaline can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. 4 reported an increase in blood glucose levels after terbutaline administration.
Decreased blood potassium
Terbutaline can cause a decrease in blood potassium levels. 4 reported a decrease in plasma potassium levels after terbutaline administration.
Other
Terbutaline can cause other side effects. 9 reported a case of focal seizures after terbutaline sulfate syrup. 14 reported psychiatric disorders, respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders, and skin and subcutaneous disorders as adverse drug reactions associated with asthma medications.
Side effect management
Tremors
Tremors caused by terbutaline usually subside when treatment is discontinued. 4 reported that tremors always increased after terbutaline but were less severe on days 5 and 13 than after the first oral dose.
Heart palpitations
Heart palpitations caused by terbutaline usually subside when treatment is discontinued. 1 found that terbutaline caused less severe palpitations compared to salbutamol and fenoterol.
Nausea
Nausea caused by terbutaline usually subsides when treatment is discontinued. 3 reported that terbutaline caused nausea in some patients but there were few serious side effects. Reducing the dose of terbutaline, taking it before meals, or other methods may help reduce nausea.
Dizziness
Dizziness caused by terbutaline usually subsides when treatment is discontinued. If dizziness is severe, consult your doctor.
Headache
Headaches caused by terbutaline usually subside when treatment is discontinued. If headaches are severe, consult your doctor.
Flushing
Flushing caused by terbutaline usually subsides when treatment is discontinued. If flushing is severe, consult your doctor.
Increased blood sugar
Increased blood sugar levels caused by terbutaline should be monitored carefully in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes should consult their doctor for blood sugar management.
Decreased blood potassium
Decreased blood potassium levels caused by terbutaline should be monitored carefully in patients with heart disease. Patients with heart disease should consult their doctor for blood potassium management.
Comparison of studies
Similarities between studies
Many studies have found similar results regarding the side effects of terbutaline. For example, many studies have reported that tremors, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, and headaches are common side effects after terbutaline administration. Terbutaline can also act on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the heart and other tissues, leading to side effects.
Differences between studies
The severity and frequency of terbutaline side effects vary depending on the study. For example, 4 reported that tremors always increased after terbutaline, but were less severe on days 5 and 13 than after the first oral dose. On the other hand, 1 found that salbutamol caused the most intense tremors. The severity and frequency of terbutaline side effects may vary depending on the individual patient and the method of administration.
Considerations for real-world application
While terbutaline is an effective bronchodilator, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. When taking terbutaline, it is important to consult with your doctor and understand the risks and benefits of taking the medication. If you experience any side effects such as tremors, palpitations, nausea, dizziness, headaches, or any other side effects while taking terbutaline, consult your doctor.
Limitations of current research
Research on the side effects of terbutaline is still ongoing. More research is needed, especially on long-term side effects and side effects in specific patient populations. provides some findings on long-term side effects of terbutaline but further long-term studies are needed. The mechanisms behind terbutaline side effects are not fully understood. 11 suggests that terbutaline may interact with cell membrane models, but further research is needed.
Future research directions
Future research on terbutaline side effects should focus on long-term side effects, side effects in specific patient populations, and the mechanisms behind side effects. Development of new treatments to reduce terbutaline side effects is also important.
Conclusion
Terbutaline is an effective bronchodilator but carries a risk of side effects. Consult with your doctor before taking terbutaline to understand the risks and benefits of the medication. If you experience any side effects while taking terbutaline, consult your doctor.
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Article Type
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