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Terbutaline

Prescription

Beta-2 adrenergic agonist bronchodilator

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Selectively stimulates beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation via cAMP-mediated relaxation

At a glance

Class

Beta-2 adrenergic agonist bronchodilator

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Bronchospasm / Acute bronchoconstriction

Dose

0.01–0.02 mg/kg

Route

SC, IM, PO

Frequency

BID to TID (PO); q4h (SC/IM for acute)

Max dose

5 mg/dose; 15 mg/day

Duration: Short-term for acute episodes; PO for maintenance

🐈

Cat

Feline asthma (acute and maintenance)

Dose

0.01–0.02 mg/kg

Route

SC, IM, PO

Frequency

BID to TID (PO); SC for acute crisis

Max dose

0.25 mg/dose; 0.75 mg/day

Duration: Long-term PO for chronic asthma; SC for emergencies

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength

2.5mg

Available in India

💉

Injection — 1

Strength

0.5mg/mL

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Use with caution

Cardiac disease / Tachyarrhythmias
May worsen tachycardia
Hyperthyroidism
Additive cardiovascular stimulation

Adverse effects

Common

Tachycardia

Tremors

Restlessness

Serious

Hypokalemia

Cardiac arrhythmias

Monitoring parameters

Heart rateRespiratory rateSerum potassium

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Propranolol

major

Non-selective beta-blocker completely antagonizes terbutaline's beta-2 bronchodilatory effect, rendering it ineffective and potentially causing bronchospasm.

Management: NEVER use non-selective beta-blocker in patients requiring bronchodilators. Use cardioselective beta-1 blocker (atenolol) if beta-blocker needed.

Moderate — 1

Atenolol

moderate

Atenolol (cardioselective beta-1) has minimal beta-2 blockade at therapeutic doses — less bronchospasm risk than propranolol. However, at higher doses, selectivity is lost.

Management: Use lowest effective atenolol dose. Monitor respiratory function. If bronchospasm worsens, discontinue beta-blocker.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Brethine

Novartis

India

Bricanyl

AstraZeneca India

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Terbutaline?

Terbutaline is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist bronchodilator used in pets. Selectively stimulates beta-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, causing bronchodilation via cAMP-mediated relaxation

›What is Terbutaline used for in pets?

Terbutaline is used in veterinary medicine for: Bronchospasm / Acute bronchoconstriction; Feline asthma (acute and maintenance).

›What is the Terbutaline dose for dogs?

For dogs, Terbutaline is typically dosed as follows — Bronchospasm / Acute bronchoconstriction: 0.01–0.02 mg/kg SC/IM/PO BID to TID (PO); q4h (SC/IM for acute). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Terbutaline dose for cats?

For cats, Terbutaline is typically dosed as follows — Feline asthma (acute and maintenance): 0.01–0.02 mg/kg SC/IM/PO BID to TID (PO); SC for acute crisis. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Terbutaline?

Common: Tachycardia, Tremors, Restlessness. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hypokalemia, Cardiac arrhythmias.

›Does Terbutaline need a prescription?

Yes. Terbutaline is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database