Second-lineBricanyl
Terbutaline
β2-adrenergic agonist
Acute tocolysis for intrauterine resuscitation.
SCIV
First-line for
- Hyperstimulation with fetal compromise
- Intrauterine resus during CTG abnormality / ECV
Mechanism
β2 stimulation → ↑ cAMP in myometrium → uterine relaxation.
Terbutaline
- Relax the womb — short window only
Dosing
- Tocolysis
- 250 micrograms SC (or slow IV) — single dose
Contraindications
- AbsoluteMaternal cardiac disease, severe pre-eclampsia, APH
- CautionDiabetes (hyperglycaemia), thyrotoxicosis
Side effects
- Tachycardia, tremor, palpitations
- Pulmonary oedema (esp. with steroids/fluid)
- Hyperglycaemia, hypokalaemia
Fetal & maternal notes
- • Neonatal hypoglycaemia.
- • Not for prolonged tocolysis (cardiac death — FDA warning).
Key interactions
Steroids + fluids
AvoidPulmonary oedema
β-blockers
CautionAntagonism
Clinical pearls
- 💡 Used while preparing for cat-1 LSCS.
- 💡 Avoid >48 h.
Content last reviewed: REPLACE_ME (e.g. 2026-07)
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