Bricanyl

What is Bricanyl Turbuhaler?

Bricanyl Turbuhaler is a dry powder inhaler containing terbutaline sulfate as its active ingredient. Terbutaline belongs to a group of medicines known as short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonists, often referred to as bronchodilators.

Bronchodilators work by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding the airways. When these muscles tighten, the airways become narrower, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. After inhalation, terbutaline stimulates specific receptors in the airway muscles, causing them to relax and allowing air to flow more freely.

The effect of Bricanyl begins within minutes after inhalation and typically lasts approximately five to six hours. Because it acts quickly, it is primarily used for rapid symptom relief rather than long-term maintenance treatment.

Bricanyl Turbuhaler is available in strengths of 250 micrograms and 500 micrograms per inhalation.

What is it used for?

Bricanyl Turbuhaler is used for the relief of symptoms caused by narrowing of the airways. It may be prescribed for:

• Asthma
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Other obstructive airway diseases involving bronchial muscle contraction

In asthma, airway narrowing may be triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air or respiratory infections. Bricanyl helps relieve these symptoms by relaxing the airway muscles and improving airflow.

Bricanyl is generally used as needed for symptom relief. It is not a substitute for regular anti-inflammatory maintenance treatment such as inhaled corticosteroids when these are prescribed.

If a short-acting bronchodilator such as Bricanyl is required more than twice per week for asthma symptom control, this may indicate that the condition is not adequately controlled and medical reassessment is recommended.

How does Bricanyl Turbuhaler work?

Terbutaline stimulates beta-2 receptors located in the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes. Activation of these receptors causes the muscles to relax, resulting in widening of the airways (bronchodilation).

By improving airflow, Bricanyl reduces symptoms such as:
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Cough associated with bronchospasm

Because the medicine is inhaled directly into the lungs, it acts locally at the site of airway narrowing. The bronchodilating effect begins within minutes and typically lasts five to six hours.

Overuse of short-acting bronchodilators may signal worsening asthma control. Increasing reliance on rescue inhalers should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Who should not use Bricanyl Turbuhaler?

Bricanyl should not be used if you:

• Are allergic to terbutaline sulfate or any of the ingredients of the inhaler
• Have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a condition involving thickening of the heart muscle)

Special caution is required if you have:

• Heart disease, irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Low potassium levels
• Difficulty urinating

Beta-2 agonists may increase heart rate and affect potassium or blood glucose levels. Monitoring may be required in certain patients.

Bricanyl Turbuhaler contains lactose, which may contain trace amounts of milk proteins. Individuals with severe milk protein allergy should consult their physician before use.

If symptoms worsen rapidly or higher doses are required for relief, seek medical advice immediately.

How to use and dosage

Always use Bricanyl exactly as prescribed by a physician.

For relief of symptoms, the usual dose is:

• 1–2 inhalations of Bricanyl 250 micrograms
  or
• 1 inhalation of Bricanyl 500 micrograms

The maximum daily dose is 4000 micrograms. This corresponds to:

• Up to 16 inhalations of 250 micrograms
  or
• Up to 8 inhalations of 500 micrograms

Bricanyl is used as needed for symptom relief rather than on a fixed daily schedule.

If you forget a dose, take it when needed for symptoms. Do not exceed the prescribed maximum dose.

If you experience sudden worsening of breathing, require increasing doses, or find that the inhaler provides less relief than usual, seek medical attention promptly.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Bricanyl may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Very common side effects may include:

• Tremor
• Headache

Common side effects may include:

• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Palpitations
• Muscle cramps
• Low potassium levels (hypokalaemia)

Rare side effects may include:

• Anxiety or sleep disturbances
• Cardiac rhythm disturbances
• Bronchospasm
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash or urticaria

Very rare but serious reactions may include:

• Severe allergic reactions (including angioedema)
• Blood pressure changes
• Chest tightness

If you experience chest pain, severe allergic symptoms, or worsening breathing after use, seek urgent medical attention.

Important safety information

If Bricanyl is required more than twice per week for asthma relief, this may indicate inadequate asthma control. A medical review should be arranged.

If you are prescribed inhaled corticosteroids or other maintenance treatments, continue using them regularly as directed, even if symptoms improve.

Bricanyl may influence blood glucose and potassium levels. Patients with diabetes or electrolyte imbalances may require monitoring.

During pregnancy, Bricanyl should only be used after medical consultation. It may be used during breastfeeding following professional advice.

Avoid exceeding the recommended dose, as excessive use may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects.

When to seek medical help

Seek urgent medical attention if:

• Breathing becomes suddenly worse
• You are too short of breath to speak, eat or sleep
• Chest pain develops
• Severe allergic reactions occur

Contact your doctor if:

• You require increasing doses for relief
• You use Bricanyl more than twice weekly for asthma control
• The inhaler appears less effective than usual