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TERBUTALINE SULFATE
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terbutaline Sulfate | 1 mg/mL | 857677 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryRegulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 076887-001 | TERBUTALINE SULFATE | INJECTABLE | TERBUTALINE SULFATE | Prescription | AP |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 21, 2014 | — |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | April 8, 2011 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | May 26, 2004 | — |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · February 17, 2011
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250716). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING: PROLONGED TOCOLYSIS Terbutaline sulfate has not been approved and should not be used for prolonged tocolysis (beyond 48 to 72 hours). In particular, terbutaline sulfate should not be used for maintenance tocolysis in the outpatient or home setting. Serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported after administration of terbutaline sulfate to pregnant women. In the mother, these adverse reactions include increased heart rate, transient hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema and myocardial ischemia. Increased fetal heart rate and neonatal hypoglycemia may occur as a result of maternal administration (see CONTRAINDICATIONS , Prolonged Tocolysis ).
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Terbutaline Sulfate Injection, USP is indicated for the prevention and reversal of bronchospasm in patients 12 years of age and older with asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Terbutaline Sulfate Injection, USP should be used only for subcutaneous administration and not intravenous infusion. Sterility and accurate dosing cannot be assured if the vials are not used in accordance with DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION . Discard unused portion after single patient use. The usual subcutaneous dose of Terbutaline Sulfate Injection, USP is 0.25 mg injected into the lateral deltoid area. If significant clinical improvement does not occur within 15 to 30 minutes, a second dose of 0.25 mg may be administered. If the patient then fails to respond within another 15 to 30 minutes, other therapeutic measures should be considered. The total dose within 4 hours should not exceed 0.5 mg. Note: Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Prolonged Tocolysis Terbutaline sulfate has not been approved and should not be used for prolonged tocolysis (beyond 48 to 72 hours). In particular, terbutaline sulfate should not be used for maintenance tocolysis in the outpatient or home setting (see BOXED WARNING : PROLONGED TOCOLYSIS ). Hypersensitivity Terbutaline sulfate injection is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to sympathomimetic amines or any component of this drug product.
Prolonged Tocolysis Terbutaline sulfate has not been approved and should not be used for prolonged tocolysis (beyond 48 to 72 hours). In particular, terbutaline sulfate should not be used for maintenance tocolysis in the outpatient or home setting (see BOXED WARNING : PROLONGED TOCOLYSIS ).
Hypersensitivity Terbutaline sulfate injection is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to sympathomimetic amines or any component of this drug product.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Deterioration of Asthma Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient needs more doses of terbutaline than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids. Use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents The use of beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators alone may not be adequate to control asthma in many patients. Early consideration should be given to adding anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., corticosteroids. Cardiovascular Effects Terbutaline, like all other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of terbutaline at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Therefore, terbutaline, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Seizures There have been rare reports of seizures in patients receiving terbutaline; seizures did not recur in these patients after the drug was discontinued.
Deterioration of Asthma Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient needs more doses of terbutaline than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids.
Use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents The use of beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators alone may not be adequate to control asthma in many patients. Early consideration should be given to adding anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., corticosteroids.
Cardiovascular Effects Terbutaline, like all other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of terbutaline at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Therefore, terbutaline, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Seizures There have been rare reports of seizures in patients receiving terbutaline; seizures did not recur in these patients after the drug was discontinued.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC at 1-800-551-7176 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Adverse reactions observed with terbutaline are similar to those commonly seen with other sympathomimetic agents. All these reactions are transient in nature and usually do not require treatment. The following table compares adverse reactions seen in patients treated with terbutaline (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg), with those seen in patients treated with epinephrine injection (0.25 mg and 0.5 mg), during eight double-blind crossover studies involving a total of 214 patients. Incidence (%) of Adverse Reactions Terbutaline (%) 0.25 mg N=77 0.5 mg N=205 Reaction Central Nervous System Tremor 7.8 38 Nervousness 16.9 30.7 Dizziness 1.3 10.2 Headache 7.8 8.8 Drowsiness 11.7 9.8 Cardiovascular Palpitations 7.8 22.9 Tachycardia 1.3 1.5 Respiratory Dyspnea 0 2 Chest discomfort 1.3 1.5 Gastrointestinal Nausea/vomiting 1.3 3.9 Systemic Weakness 1.3 0.5 Flushed feeling 0 2.4 Sweating 0 2.5 Pain at injection site 2.6 0.5 Epinephrine (%) 0.25 mg N=153 0.5 mg N=61 Reaction Central Nervous System Tremor 16.3 18 Nervousness 8.5 31.1 Dizziness 7.8 3.3 Headache 3.3 9.8 Drowsiness 14.4 8.2 Cardiovascular Palpitations 7.8 29.5 Tachycardia 2.6 0 Respiratory Dyspnea 2 0 Chest discomfort 2.6 0 Gastrointestinal Nausea/vomiting 1.3 11.5 Systemic Weakness 2.6 1.6 Flushed feeling 1.3 0 Sweating 0 0 Pain at injection site 2.6 1.6 Note: Some patients received more than one dosage strength of terbutaline and epinephrine. In addition, there were reports of anxiety, muscle cramps, and dry mouth (<0.5%). There have been rare reports of elevations in liver enzymes and of hypersensitivity vasculitis with terbutaline administration.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Rx only A sterile aqueous solution for subcutaneous injection. WARNING: PROLONGED TOCOLYSIS Terbutaline sulfate has not been approved and should not be used for prolonged tocolysis (beyond 48 to 72 hours). In particular, terbutaline sulfate should not be used for maintenance tocolysis in the outpatient or home setting. Serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported after administration of terbutaline sulfate to pregnant women. In the mother, these adverse reactions include increased heart rate, transient hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema and myocardial ischemia. Increased fetal heart rate and neonatal hypoglycemia may occur as a result of maternal administration (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, Prolonged Tocolysis). DESCRIPTION Terbutaline Sulfate Injection, USP, is a beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator available as a sterile, nonpyrogenic, aqueous solution in vials, for subcutaneous administration. Each mL of solution contains: 1 mg of terbutaline sulfate USP (0.82 mg of the free base), and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium chloride is used for isotonicity, and hydrochloric acid for adjustment to a pH of 3.0 to 5.0. Terbutaline sulfate is (±)-a-[(tert-butyl-amino) methyl]-3,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol sulfate (2:1) (salt). The structural formula is: Terbutaline sulfate USP is a white to gray-white crystalline powder. It is odorless or has a faint odor of acetic acid. It is soluble in water and in 0.1N hydrochloric acid, slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in chloroform. Formula1.jpg
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE The median sc lethal dose of terbutaline in mature rats was approximately 165 mg/kg (approximately 2,700 times the maximum recommended daily sc dose for adults on a mg/m 2 basis). The median sc lethal dose of terbutaline in young rats was approximately 2,000 mg/kg (approximately 32,000 times the maximum recommended daily sc dose for adults on a mg/m 2 basis). The expected symptoms with overdosage are those of excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of any of the symptoms listed under ADVERSE REACTIONS , e.g., seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats per minute, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia. Hypokalemia may also occur. There is no specific antidote. Treatment consists of discontinuation of terbutaline together with appropriate symptomatic therapy. The judicious use of a cardioselective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medication can produce bronchospasm. There is insufficient evidence to determine if dialysis is beneficial for overdosage of terbutaline.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Discard unused portion after single patient use. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Do not use if solution is discolored. Vial stoppers do not contain natural rubber latex. Product repackaged by: Henry Schein, Inc., Bastian, VA 24314 From Original Manufacturer/Distributor's NDC and Unit of Sale To Henry Schein Repackaged Product NDC and Unit of Sale Total Strength/Total Volume (Concentration) per unit NDC 63323-665-01 Unit of 25 NDC 0404-9962-01 1 1 mL Single Dose Vial in a bag (Vial bears NDC 63323-665-00) 1 mg per mL Fresenius Kabi Lake Zurich, IL 60047 www.fresenius-kabi.com/us 451001E Revised: April 2022 Image1.jpg
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: TERBUTALINE SULFATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63323-665-01 | 63323-665 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | 25 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 TRAY (63323-665-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE (63323-665-00) | March 10, 2011 |
| 0404-9962-01 | 0404-9962 | Henry Schein, Inc. | 1 VIAL in 1 BAG (0404-9962-01) / 1 mL in 1 VIAL | January 12, 2022 |
| 63323-665 | 63323-665 | Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC | — | March 10, 2011 |
| 0404-9962 | 0404-9962 | Henry Schein, Inc. | — | January 12, 2022 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.