Bricanyl Turbuhaler (Terbutaline Sulfate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Bricanyl Turbuhaler Used For?
Bricanyl Turbuhaler contains terbutaline sulfate, a bronchodilator that belongs to a group of medicines called beta-2-agonists. It’s designed to help people with breathing difficulties breathe more easily.
Primary Uses
Bricanyl Turbuhaler is used to open up the airways in people with asthma, bronchitis and other breathing problems so they can breathe more easily. It can also be used before exercise to keep the airways open if you start to wheeze or have trouble breathing when you exert yourself.
How It Works
Terbutaline is a bronchodilator that works by opening up the airways in your lungs, making it easier to breathe when you’re experiencing breathing difficulties.
Reliever Medicine: Bricanyl Turbuhaler is a reliever medicine – you should only use it when you need it, not regularly unless your doctor tells you to.
How to Take Bricanyl Turbuhaler
Bricanyl Turbuhaler should be inhaled into your lungs through your mouth. Each pack contains detailed instructions for proper use.
Dosage Instructions
Adults: One inhalation when needed, up to every 4-6 hours. For severe breathing problems, this may be increased to 3 inhalations. Do not use more than 12 inhalations in any 24-hour period. Children (5 years and older): One inhalation when needed every 4-6 hours. For severe breathing problems, this may be increased to 2 inhalations. Children should not take more than 8 inhalations in any 24-hour period.
How to Use
Follow all directions given by your doctor or pharmacist. Each pack contains an instruction leaflet – read this carefully. If you’re unsure how to use the Turbuhaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you the correct technique.
Important: You should only use Bricanyl Turbuhaler when you need it to ease your breathing, not as a regular daily medication unless specifically told to by your doctor.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- tremor (shaky hands)
- nervousness
- increased heart rate or palpitations
- nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- bad taste in mouth
- sweating, muscle twitching or cramps
- drowsiness or dizziness
- agitation, restlessness, hyperactivity, or disturbed sleep
- skin rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe allergic reactions (rash, itching or hives on skin, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts)
- fast or irregular heart beat
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing or worsening of breathing problems
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before using Bricanyl Turbuhaler. Make sure to discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Bricanyl Turbuhaler
Do not use if you are allergic to any medicine containing terbutaline, lactose (in the 120 inhalations version only), or any other ingredients listed. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine safely.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: thyroid problems, diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, any allergies to medicines or foods, or any other medical conditions. Also inform them if you’re taking short acting beta-2 agonist reliever medicines alone for asthma without regular maintenance treatment, as this may increase the risk of severe asthma attacks.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Bricanyl Turbuhaler during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Asthma Management: Using short acting beta-2 agonist relievers alone for asthma without regular maintenance treatment may be associated with an increased risk of severe asthma attacks.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Bricanyl Turbuhaler and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Check with Healthcare Providers: Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you’re taking and whether they affect Bricanyl Turbuhaler.
- medicines used to treat heart problems or high blood pressure
- medicines for glaucoma, including eye drops
- medicines to treat asthma, bronchitis or breathing problems
- some types of anaesthetics
Alcohol & Driving
Be aware of how Bricanyl Turbuhaler affects you before driving or operating machinery, as some side effects may impair your ability to perform these activities safely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Bricanyl Turbuhaler may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, tremor, or nervousness that could affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Make sure you know how this medicine affects you before engaging in these activities.
Storage
Keep your Turbuhaler in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30 degrees Celsius, with the cover firmly in place. Store away from moisture, heat or sunlight – do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. The Turbuhaler mouthpiece must be wiped with a clean dry tissue and must never get wet.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Bricanyl Turbuhaler, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include shaky hands, headache, nausea, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, inability to sleep, muscle twitching or cramps, fast or irregular heartbeats, dizziness or drowsiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bricanyl Turbuhaler is a reliever medicine designed to work quickly when you need it to ease breathing difficulties. You should use it when needed, up to every 4-6 hours.
Bricanyl Turbuhaler is a reliever medicine that should only be used when you need it, not regularly, unless your doctor specifically tells you to. If you’re using it more often than usual, contact your doctor to have your condition checked.
If you find that your usual dose isn’t giving you as much relief as before, or you’re needing to use it more often (three or more reliever inhalers in a year), contact your doctor so your condition can be checked.
Children should be 5 years or older before using the Turbuhaler. The dose for children is one inhalation when needed every 4-6 hours, which may be increased to 2 inhalations for severe breathing problems. Children should not take more than 8 inhalations in 24 hours.
The Turbuhaler mouthpiece must be wiped with a clean dry tissue and must never get wet. Full cleaning instructions are provided in each pack.
Yes, Bricanyl Turbuhaler can be used before exercise to keep the airways open if you start to wheeze or have trouble breathing when you exert yourself.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. They will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using Bricanyl Turbuhaler during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.