How does it work?

Bambuterol is converted into terbutaline in the body. Terbutaline acts by stimulating beta adrenergic receptors in many parts of the body. Stimulation of beta receptors in the lungs causes relaxation of the muscles surrounding the air passages (bronchioles), allowing the airways to open. In conditions, such as asthma, where the muscles contract and the lining swells, narrowing the airways, it is difficult for air to pass in and out of the lungs. By opening the airways, terbutaline reverses the effects of asthma and improves breathing.

What is it used for?

Asthma

Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Warning!

It is recommended that people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar more carefully when starting treatment with this medicine, as it may increase blood sugar levels. If your diabetes treatment becomes less effective, ie your blood sugar levels are harder to control, you should consult your doctor.

This medicine should be taken at bedtime.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

Heart failure

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Moderate to severely decreased kidney function

Severe asthma

Thyrotoxicosis

Not to be used in

Children

Heart disease characterised by thickening of the internal heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)

Liver cirrhosis

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk, but in such small quantities that it is unlikely to harm the baby. Discuss with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Cramp

Itchy rash (urticaria)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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