Bricanyl Injection (Terbutaline Sulfate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Bricanyl Injection Used For?
Bricanyl Injection contains terbutaline sulfate, a bronchodilator that belongs to a group of medicines called beta-2-agonists. It is typically used in hospital settings for severe breathing difficulties.
Primary Uses
Bricanyl Injection 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 airways open if you start to wheeze or have trouble breathing during physical activity.
How It Works
As a bronchodilator and beta-2-agonist, terbutaline works by opening up the airways to make breathing easier.
Hospital Use: Bricanyl Injection is usually only given in hospital in cases of severe breathing difficulties.
How to Take Bricanyl Injection
Bricanyl Injection is administered by your doctor or a specially trained nurse in a healthcare setting. You will not be giving this injection to yourself.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor or specially trained nurse will give you the injection just under the skin. It can be repeated when needed, up to every 6 hours.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Bricanyl Injection is given to you when required by healthcare professionals, you will not ‘miss’ a dose.
Professional Administration: This medication is only administered by healthcare professionals – never attempt to give it yourself.
Available Tablet Strengths
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 (feeling sick), 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
Before receiving Bricanyl Injection, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider.
Who Should Not Take Bricanyl Injection
Do not use Bricanyl Injection if you are allergic to terbutaline sulfate or any of the ingredients listed in the medication information. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, thyroid problems, or any allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes. Also inform them if you take any medicines for other conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor will advise you of the risks and benefits of using Bricanyl Injection during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions: It may not be safe to use Bricanyl Injection if you have certain heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Bricanyl Injection and affect how it works. You may need different amounts of your medicine or a different medicine entirely.
Tell Your Healthcare Team: Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking, including those bought without prescription.
- 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
- injectable corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone or methylprednisolone)
Alcohol & Driving
While specific alcohol and driving warnings are not detailed in the source material, you should be aware that some side effects may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery as Bricanyl Injection may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that could impair your abilities.
Storage
Bricanyl Injection is usually stored in the hospital or clinic where you receive treatment. If you need to store it, keep it protected from light in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Store away from moisture, heat or sunlight – not in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have received too much Bricanyl Injection, 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 (tremor), headaches, nausea, anxiety, restlessness, inability to sleep, muscle twitching or cramps, or fast or irregular heartbeats.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source material doesn’t specify onset time, but as a bronchodilator injection given for severe breathing difficulties, it should work relatively quickly to open airways.
No, Bricanyl Injection must only be given by your doctor or a specially trained nurse. It is administered just under the skin in healthcare settings.
Bricanyl Injection can be repeated when needed, up to every 6 hours, as determined by your healthcare provider.
Yes, Bricanyl Injection is usually only given in hospital or clinic settings, particularly for cases of severe breathing difficulties.
If you have an Asthma Action Plan that you’ve agreed with your doctor or nurse, follow it closely at all times, even while receiving Bricanyl Injection.
No, do not use Bricanyl Injection to treat any other complaints unless your doctor specifically tells you to. It should only be used for the breathing conditions it’s prescribed for.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Bricanyl Injection, and inform them if you’re about to start any new medicines.
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.