Pharmacologic Substance
terbutaline Audio
ter·bu·ta·line [ ter-byoot-l-een ]
Effect:
Bronchodilation; Decreased Uterine Smooth Muscle Contraction or Tone
May Treat:
Asthma
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to terbutaline:
  • A selective beta-2 adrenergic agonist used as a bronchodilator and tocolytic.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • An ethanolamine derivative with bronchodilating and tocolytic activities. Terbutaline selectively binds to and activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors, leading to intracellular adenyl cyclase activation via a trimeric G protein and subsequent increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) production. Increased cAMP levels result in relaxation of bronchial and vascular smooth muscle mediated through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates proteins in control of muscle tone. cAMP also inhibits calcium ion release from intracellular stores, reduces calcium entry into cells and induces the sequestration of intracellular calcium all of which aids in the relaxation of airway muscles. Terbutaline also increases mucociliary clearance and reduces release of inflammatory cell mediators.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Beta-adrenergic receptor agonist used as a bronchodilator and tocolytic.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.