Trouble with Terbutaline

If you are in the midst of premature labor chances are that your physician is going to try to stop it, however they possibly can. One commonly used method of halting the contractions during premature labor is a tocolytic drug. A tocolytic drug is defined as “a medication that can inhibit labor, slow down or halt the contractions of the uterus,” on MedicineNet.com.

Terbutaline is commonly used as tocolytic agent, although its primary use is for treating asthma and can be found under these names as well: Brethine, Brethaire, Brican, Bricanyl, Bricyn, Bricaril, Terbutalin, Terbutalina, Terbutaline Sulfate, Terbutalino, and Terbutalinum. It works by relaxing smooth muscle, and in the case of premature labor it works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus. A controversial review published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology states that terbutaline can increase the baby's risk of autism and other psychiatric disorders. The review is considered controversial and not considered to be definitive by all. It raises our concerns, yet again, about the use of medications during pregnancy. A blog post that discusses both sides of the issue can be found here.

Preterm labor is undoubtedly a scary experience. As I myself went into preterm labor with my son at 33 weeks, I was prescribed terbutaline in the hospital as well as at home for a period of at least a few days until I could no longer tolerate it. The side effects were truly miserable but it did succeed in stopping the contractions and labor. I have to give the medication credit for coming to the rescue for me and my son.If I had known that there was an increased risk of autism and psychiatric disorders at the moment when I so desperately wanted for those contractions to stop, I don't know that I would have changed the doctors course of action. Perhaps I would have taken the medication for a much shorter period of time, though.

This is why I believe it is so important to share this information and open our minds up to the potential risks. Would I have resisted the doctors advice and efforts to save my baby from premature birth? No. But I could have made a more informed decision as a mother and a patient for the length of time I was willing to take this medication.

What do you know about terbutaline? Are you concerned about it's long term effects? Will you share this information with your community?