TERBUTALINE SULFATE

PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Terbutaline Sulfate Tablets USP, 2.5 mg and 5 mg

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

• TERBUTALINE SULFATE DESCRIPTION
• CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
  • Preclinical
  • Pharmacokinetics
• TERBUTALINE SULFATE INDICATIONS AND USAGE
• TERBUTALINE SULFATE CONTRAINDICATIONS
• WARNINGS
  • Deterioration of Asthma
  • Use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cardiovascular Effects
  • Seizures
• PRECAUTIONS
  • Tocolysis
  • General
  • Information for Patients
  • Drug Interactions
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants
  • Beta-Blockers
  • Diuretics
  • Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
  • Use in Labor and Delivery
  • Nursing Mothers
  • Pediatric Use
• TERBUTALINE SULFATE ADVERSE REACTIONS
• TERBUTALINE SULFATE DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
  • Adults
  • Children
• OVERDOSAGE
• HOW SUPPLIED
• PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg Tablet Bottle Label

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

Rx only

TERBUTALINE SULFATE DESCRIPTION

Terbutaline sulfate USP, the active ingredient of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP is a beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator available as tablets of 2.5 mg (2.05 mg of the free base) and 5 mg (4.1 mg of the free base) for oral administration. Terbutaline sulfate is ±-alpha-[(tert-butylamino)methyl]-3,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol sulfate (2:1) (salt).

The empirical formula is (C12H19NO3)2H2SO4 and the structural formula is

Terbutaline sulfate USP is a white to gray-white crystalline powder. It is odorless or has a faint odor of acetic acid. It is soluble in water and in 0.1N hydrochloric acid, slightly soluble in methanol, and insoluble in chloroform. Its molecular weight is 548.65.

Inactive Ingredients. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and pregelatinized starch.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

In vitro and in vivo pharmacologic studies have demonstrated that terbutaline exerts a preferential effect on beta₂-adrenergic receptors. While it is recognized that beta₂-adrenergic receptors are the predominant receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, data indicate that there is a population of beta2-receptors in the human heart, existing in a concentration between 10%-50%. The precise function of these receptors has not been established (see WARNINGS ). In controlled clinical studies in patients given terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP orally, proportionally greater changes occurred in pulmonary function parameters than in heart rate or blood pressure. While this suggests a relative preference for the beta₂-receptors in man, the usual cardiovascular effects commonly associated with other sympathomimetic agents were also observed with terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP.

The pharmacologic effects of beta-adrenergic agonists, including terbutaline, are at least in part attributable to stimulation through beta-adrenergic receptors of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic 3', 5'-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased cAMP levels are associated with relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.

Controlled clinical studies have shown that terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP relieve bronchospasm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by significantly increasing pulmonary function (e.g., an increase of 15% or more in FEV₁ and in FEF_25%-75%). After administration of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP, a measurable change in flow rate usually occurs within 30 minutes, and a clinically significant improvement in pulmonary function occurs within 60-120 minutes. The maximum effect usually occurs within 120-180 minutes. Terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP also produces a clinically significant decrease in airway and pulmonary resistance, which persists for 4 hours or longer. Significant bronchodilator action (as measured by airway resistance, FEF_25%-75% or PEFR) has also been demonstrated for up to 8 hours in some studies.

In studies comparing the effectiveness of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP with that of ephedrine for up to 3 months, both drugs maintained a significant improvement in pulmonary function throughout this period of treatment.

Preclinical

Studies in laboratory animals (minipigs, rodents, and dogs) have demonstrated the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death (with histologic evidence of myocardial necrosis) when beta-agonists and methylxanthines were administered concurrently. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown.

Pharmacokinetics

Oral administration of 5-mg terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP or 5 mg terbutaline sulfate in solution in 17 healthy, adult, male subjects, resulted in mean (SD) peak plasma terbutaline concentration of 8.3 (3.9) and 8.6 (3.6) ng/mL, which were observed at median (range) times of 2 (1-3) and 1.5 (0.5-3.0) hours after dosing. The mean (SD) AUC (0-48) values were 54.6 (26.8) and 53.1 (23.5) hr∙ng/mL, and corresponded to a bioavailability of 103% for the tablet relative to the solution.

After oral administration of terbutaline, 51 to 62 mcg/kg of body weight, to 3 healthy male subjects, peak serum levels of 3.1 to 6.2 ng/mL were observed 1 to 3 hours later. In the same study, after 3 days only 30%-50% of the dose was recovered from urine and the remainder from the feces, which may indicate poor absorption.

After an oral dose to asthmatic patients, the elimination half-life of terbutaline was approximately 3.4 hours.

In comparison to oral dosing, subcutaneous administration of 0.5 mg of terbutaline sulfate to 17 healthy, adult, male subjects resulted in a mean (SD) peak plasma terbutaline concentration of 9.6 (3.6) ng/mL, which was observed at a median (range) time of 0.5 (0.08-1.0) hours after dosing. The mean (SD) AUC (0-48) and total body clearance values were 29.4 (14.2) hr∙ng/mL, and 311 (112) mL/min, respectively. The terminal half-life was determined in 9 of the 17 subjects and had a mean (SD) of 5.7 (2.0) hours.

About 90% of the drug was excreted in the urine at 96 hours after subcutaneous administration, with about 60% of this being unchanged drug. The sulfate conjugate is a major metabolite of terbutaline, and urinary excretion is the primary route of elimination.

There are no reports of any clinical pharmacokinetic studies investigating dose proportionality, effect of food, or special population studies with terbutaline.

TERBUTALINE SULFATE INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP are indicated for the prevention and reversal of bronchospasm in patients 12 years of age and older with asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema.

TERBUTALINE SULFATE CONTRAINDICATIONS

Terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP are contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to sympathomimetic amines or any component of this drug product.

WARNINGS

Deterioration of Asthma

Asthma may deteriorate acutely over a period of hours or chronically over several days or longer. If the patient needs more doses of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP than usual, this may be a marker of destabilization of asthma and requires reevaluation of the patient and the treatment regimen, giving special consideration to the possible need for anti-inflammatory treatment, e.g., corticosteroids.

Use of Anti-Inflammatory Agents

The use of beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators alone may not be adequate to control asthma in many patients. Early consideration should be given to adding anti-inflammatory agents, e.g., corticosteroids.

Cardiovascular Effects

Terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP, like all other beta-adrenergic agonists, can produce a clinically significant cardiovascular effect in some patients as measured by pulse rate, blood pressure, and/or symptoms. Although such effects are uncommon after administration of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP at recommended doses, if they occur, the drug may need to be discontinued. In addition, beta-agonists have been reported to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, such as flattening of the T wave, prolongation of the QTc interval, and ST segment depression. The clinical significance of these findings in unknown. Therefore, terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP, like all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Seizures

There have been rare reports of seizures in patients receiving terbutaline; seizures did not recur in these patients after the drug was discontinued.

PRECAUTIONS

Tocolysis

Terbutaline sulfate has not been approved and should not be used for tocolysis. Serious adverse reactions may occur after administration of terbutaline sulfate to women in labor. In the mother, these include increased heart rate, transient hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary edema, and myocardial ischemia. Increased fetal heart rate and neonatal hypoglycemia may occur as a result of maternal administration.

General

Terbutaline, as with all sympathomimetic amines, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disorders, including ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias; hyperthyroidism; diabetes mellitus; hypersensitivity to sympathomimetic amines; and convulsive disorders. Significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been seen and could be expected to occur in some patients after use of any beta-adrenergic bronchodilator.

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions and exacerbation of bronchospasm have been reported after terbutaline administration.

Beta-adrenergic agonist medications may produce significant hypokalemia in some patients, possibly through intracellular shunting, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease is usually transient, not requiring supplementation.

Large doses of intravenous terbutaline sulfate have been reported to aggravate preexisting diabetes and ketoacidosis.

Information for Patients

The action of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP should last up to 6 hours or longer. Terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP should not be used more frequently than recommended. Do not increase the dose or frequency of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP without consulting your physician. If you find that treatment with terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP becomes less effective for symptomatic relief, your symptoms become worse, and/or you need to use the product more frequently than usual, you should seek medical attention immediately. While taking terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP, other inhaled drugs and asthma medications should be taken only as directed by your physician. Common adverse effects include palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, tremor or nervousness. If you are pregnant or nursing, contact your physician about use of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP. Effective and safe use of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP includes an understanding of the way that it should be administered.

Drug Interactions

The concomitant use of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP with other sympathomimetic agents is not recommended, since the combined effect on the cardiovascular system may be deleterious to the patient. However, this does not preclude the use of an aerosol bronchodilator of the adrenergic-stimulant type for the relief of an acute bronchospasm in patients receiving chronic oral therapy with terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Tricyclic Antidepressants

Terbutaline sulfate should be administered with extreme caution to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of such agents, since the action of terbutaline sulfate on the vascular system may be potentiated.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents not only block the pulmonary effect of beta-agonists, such as terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP, but may produce severe bronchospasm in asthmatic patients. Therefore, patients with asthma should not normally be treated with beta-blockers. However, under certain circumstances, e.g., as prophylaxis after myocardial infarction, there may be no acceptable alternatives to the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in patients with asthma. In this setting, cardioselective beta-blockers could be considered, although they should be administered with caution.

Diuretics

The ECG changes and/or hypokalemia that may result from the administration of non-potassium sparing diuretics (such as loop or thiazide diuretics) can be acutely worsened by beta-agonists, especially when the recommended dose of the beta-agonist is exceeded. Although the clinical significance of these effects is not known, caution is advised in the coadministration of beta-agonists with non-potassium sparing diuretics.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In a 2-year study in Sprague-Dawley rats, terbutaline sulfate caused a significant and dose-related increase in the incidence of benign leiomyomas of the mesovarium at dietary doses of 50 mg/kg, and above (approximately 25 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m² basis). In a 21-month study in CD-1 mice, terbutaline sulfate showed no evidence of tumorigenicity at dietary doses up to 200 mg/kg (approximately 55 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m² basis). The mutagenicity potential of terbutaline sulfate has not been determined.

Reproduction studies in rats using terbutaline sulfate demonstrated no impairment of fertility at oral doses up to 50 mg/kg (approximately 25 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m² basis).

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category B

A reproduction study in Sprague-Dawley rats revealed terbutaline sulfate was not teratogenic when administered at oral doses of 50 mg/kg (approximately 25 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m² basis). A reproduction study in New Zealand white rabbits revealed terbutaline sulfate was not teratogenic when administered at oral doses up to 50 mg/kg (approximately 55 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m² basis).

There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human responses, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. (see PRECAUTIONS, Tocolysis ).

Use in Labor and Delivery

Because of the potential for beta-agonist interference with uterine contractility, use of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP for relief of bronchospasm during labor should be restricted to those patients in whom the benefits clearly outweigh the risk.

Terbutaline crosses the placenta. After single dose IV administration of terbutaline to 22 women in late pregnancy who were delivered by elective Cesarean section due to clinical reasons, umbilical blood levels of terbutaline were found to range from 11% to 48% of the maternal blood levels.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Therefore, terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP should be used during nursing only if the potential benefit justifies the possible risk to the newborn.

Pediatric Use

Terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP are not recommended for patients under the age of 12 years because of insufficient clinical data to establish safety and effectiveness (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).

TERBUTALINE SULFATE ADVERSE REACTIONS

Adverse reactions observed with terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP are similar to those commonly seen with other sympathomimetic amines. All of these reactions are generally transient in nature and usually do not require treatment. The frequency of these side effects appears to diminish with continued therapy.

The following table lists the adverse reactions seen in 199 patients treated with terbutaline sulfate tablets during six double-blind crossover studies and four double-blind parallel studies (short- and long-term) performed in the United States.

The following adverse effects each occurred in fewer than 1% of patients: hallucinations, rash, paresthesia, hypertonia, (muscle cramps), vomiting.

There have been rare reports of elevations in liver enzymes and of hypersensitivity vasculitis.

TERBUTALINE SULFATE DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Adults

The usual oral dose of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP for adults is 5 mg administered at approximately six-hour intervals, three times daily, during the hours the patient is usually awake. If side effects are particularly disturbing, the dose may be reduced to 2.5 mg three times daily, and still provide a clinically significant improvement in pulmonary function. The total dose within 24 hours should not exceed 15 mg.

Children

Terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP is not recommended for use in children below the age of 12 years. A dosage of 2.5 mg three times daily is recommended for children 12-15 years of age. The total dose within 24 hours should not exceed 7.5 mg.

If a previously effective dosage regimen fails to provide the usual relief, medical advice should be sought immediately as this is often a sign of seriously worsening asthma that would require reassessment of therapy.

OVERDOSAGE

The median subcutaneous lethal dose of terbutaline sulfate in mature rats is approximately 165 mg/kg (approximately 90 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m² basis). The median subcutaneous lethal dose of terbutaline sulfate in young rats is approximately 2000 mg/kg (approximately 1100 times the maximum recommended daily oral dose for adults on a mg/m² basis).

The expected symptoms with overdosage are those of excessive beta-adrenergic stimulation and/or occurrence or exaggeration of any of the symptoms listed under ADVERSE REACTIONS, e.g., seizures, angina, hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia with rates up to 200 beats per minute, arrhythmias, nervousness, headache, tremor, dry mouth, palpitation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, and insomnia. Hypokalemia may also occur.

There is no specific antidote. Treatment consists of discontinuation of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP together with appropriate symptomatic therapy. The judicious use of a cardio-selective beta-receptor blocker may be considered, bearing in mind that such medication can produce bronchospasm. There is insufficient evidence to determine if dialysis is beneficial for overdosage of terbutaline sulfate tablets, USP.

In the alert patient who has taken excessive oral medication, the stomach should be emptied by induced emesis followed by lavage. In the unconscious patient, the airway should be secured with a cuffed endotracheal tube before lavage, and emesis should not be induced. Instillation of activated charcoal slurry may help reduce absorption of terbutaline. Adequate respiratory exchange should be maintained, and cardiac and respiratory support provided as needed. The patient should be monitored until signs and symptoms of overdosage have subsided.

HOW SUPPLIED

Tablets 2.5 mg—Each off-white, oval convex tablet debossed with G on one side and 2611 on the other side

Tablets 5 mg—Each off-white, round, convex tablet debossed with G on one side and 2622 on the other side

Store at controlled room temperature 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) (see USP).

Dispense in tightly-closed, light-resistant container (USP).

Mfg. by:
IMPAX Laboratories, Inc.
Hayward, California 94544

Dist by:
Global Pharmaceuticals
Division of IMPAX Laboratories, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA 19124

192-02
Rev. 4/01

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5 mg Tablet Bottle Label

GLOBAL ^®

NDC 0115-2622-03

Terbutaline Sulfate
Tablets, USP

5 mg

Rx only

1000 TABLETS