Terbutaline is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist used as a bronchodilator and to prevent premature labor. Terbutaline was first synthesized in 1966 and described in the literature in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
Terbutaline is a selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Agonism of these receptors in bronchioles activates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Increased cAMP decreases intracellular calcium, activating protein kinase A, inactivating myosin light-chain kinase, activating myosin light-chain phosphatase, and finally relaxing smooth muscle in the bronchiole.
- Primary indication
- Terbutaline is indicated for prevention and reversal of bronchospasm in patients at least 12 years old, with asthma and reversible bronchospasm associated with bronchitis and emphysema.Curator reviewed · 19 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C12H19NO3 · 225.2842 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2000 · United States, 2001
- Code names
- KWD 2019
- Brand names
Resolves to
XWTYSIMOBUGWOL-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCC(C)(C)NCC(O)C1=CC(O)=CC(O)=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Terbutaline, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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