Bricanyl® Turbuhaler®
Inhalation powder 0.25 mg/ dose, 0.5 mg/ dose (metered doses)

Abbreviated Prescribing Information
See local Prescribing Information for full details, as Prescribing Information may vary from country to country.

Properties: Inhaled adrenergic agonist which predominantly stimulates b 2 receptors, thus producing relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle. The effect starts within a few minutes and has a duration of up to 6 hours.

Indications: Bronchial asthma. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other lung diseases where bronchospasm is a complicating factor.

Contra-indications: Hypersensitivity to terbutaline.

Dosage: Bricanyl Turbuhaler should be used as required rather than regularly. Dosage is individual.
Adults and children over 12 years: In general, 0.25-0.50 mg as required. Single doses may be increased to 1.5 mg. Total dose in 24 hours should not exceed 6 mg.
Children 3-12 years: In general, 0.25-0.50 mg as required. Single doses may be increased to 1 mg. Total dose in 24 hours should not exceed 4 mg.

Warnings and Precautions: The patient should seek medical advice if a previously effective dosage regimen no longer gives the same relief.
Caution in patients with thyrotoxicosis and severe cardiovascular disorder. Additional blood glucose controls are recommended initially in diabetics. The hypokalemic effect of b 2 -agonists may be potentiated by concomitant treatments (see interactions). Particular caution is recommended in acute severe asthma. Serum potassium levels should be monitored in those situations.
Pregnancy and lactation: As with other drugs administered during pregnancy, the benefits for the mother should be weighed against the risks for the foetus.

Undesirable effects: Tremor, headache, nausea, tonic muscle cramps, tachycardia and palpitations have been recorded. Tolerance to these effects usually develops within 1-2 weeks. Urticaria and exanthema may occur. Sleep and behavioural disturbances have been observed. In rare cases, through unspecified mechanisms, drugs for inhalation may cause bronchospasm.

Interactions: The effect of beta-agonists may be inhibited by beta-receptor blocking agents (especially those which are non-selective). Concomitant treatment with xanthines, steroids or diuretics may potentiate hypokalemia.

Legal category: On medical prescription.

Further information is available on request from AstraZeneca.

Bricanyl® Turbuhaler® is a registered trademark owned by the AstraZeneca group of companies. Other trademarks are Bricanyl® Turbohaler®, Aerodur® Turbohaler®, Bricalin® Turbuhaler®, Dracanyl® Turbuhaler® and Terbasmin® Turbuhaler®.

Date: 12 May 2000