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Terbutaline (Brethine)

Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.

About Terbutaline

What it is

Terbutaline is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle. It is used as an inhaled reliever for asthma and COPD (Bricanyl), and by injection for severe asthma attacks; it has also been used to relax the womb in preterm labour, a use now restricted because of risks to the mother. It was sold as Brethine in the US.

How genes come into it

Terbutaline is cleared by sulphate conjugation and the kidneys. The gene studies on it looked at ADRB2, the beta-2 receptor it acts on, for its effects on the airways and blood vessels. The findings come from a few studies, and there is no CPIC or DPWG guideline.

What research found

Every published finding on gene variants and Terbutaline. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.

Rated evidence (1 rated variant)

PharmGKB weighs all studies of a variant and rates how strong the evidence is, from 1A (strongest) to 4.

ADRB2 rs1042714: Level 3. Efficacy. 1.

Metabolism (2 findings)

Studies of how quickly the body processes this medication.

ADRB2 rs1042714: Genotype GG is associated with increased response to terbutaline in healthy individuals as compared to genotypes CC + CG.

ADRB2 rs1042713: Genotype AA is not associated with increased response to terbutaline in healthy individuals as compared to genotypes AG + GG.

Response (1 finding)

Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.

ADRB2 rs1800888: Genotype CT is associated with decreased response to terbutaline in healthy individuals as compared to genotype CC.

Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.

Related Drugs

More drugs from the same category

Berotec (Beta-2 Agonists)

Beta-2 Agonists (class) (Beta-2 Agonists)

Foradil (Beta-2 Agonists)

Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.

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Content updated September 2026.

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