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About Terbutaline
Drug: Terbutaline (also known as Brethine, Bricanyl and Brethaire)
Terbutaline was not initially intended for use as a preterm labor drug. It was designed as a bronchodilator for use in widening restricted breathing passages in patients with shortness of breath, wheezing, and breathing problems associated with conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is done by the relaxation of bronchial tubes thereby easing symptoms associated with lung conditions.
Although never intended for use as a preterm labor drug and not approved as such by the FDA, this "off-label" use of the drug has become more widespread. This is because it is accepted by some physicians that another effect of the drug is the relaxation of muscles of the uterus. It should be noted, however, that studies vary as to the effectiveness of the drug for this purpose.
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