UK Registered DoctorsBricanyl Turbohaler
Bricanyl Turbohaler is used in the treatment of asthma and other breathing difficulties.
What is Bricanyl Turbohaler?
Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways. The airways respond to a trigger (e.g., pollen, dust mites, and pet dander), which causes the airways in the lungs to narrow due to tightening of muscles surrounding them and inflammation, alongside an increase in mucus production. It therefore becomes difficult for air to pass into the lungs. This results in breathing difficulties such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest.
Bricanyl Turbohaler is a type of inhaler containing the medicine terbutaline sulfate. Terbutaline is used for the relief and prevention of bronchospasm - the contraction or tightening of muscles in the airways (known as the bronchi) in the lungs - in people with asthma and other bronchial lung disorders. Terbutaline belongs to the group of medicines known as beta2-adrenoreceptor agonists. These medicines act on the airway (bronchial) muscles, causing them to relax; this opens up the airways and makes it easier to breathe. It also prevents a build-up of fluid in the lungs and increases the clearance of mucus that lines the airways. Each inhaled dose delivers 0.5 mg of medicine as a dry powder.
Can I buy Bricanyl Turbohaler online?
A doctor at The Online Clinic can prescribe this medicine for you online if you have used it previously. The consultation is free of charge. Next day delivery is included.
How to use Bricanyl Turbohaler
Your doctor will instruct you on how to use your Bricanyl Turbohaler, including how many times a day you must use it. Typically, the dose is one inhalation as required, but no more than 4 inhalations in any 24-hour period. One inhalation usually works for up to 6 hours.
Detailed instructions for using your Bricanyl Turbohaler are provided in the packaging; these must be followed carefully or you may not receive the correct dose of medicine. If a child is prescribed the Bricanyl Turbohaler, then a caregiver should ensure that it is used correctly. Please note that we do not prescribe for children at The Online Clinic. The Bricanyl Turbohaler needs to be prepared before using it for the first time. After removing the cover, the blue grip is turned in one direction and then the other (a 'click' should be heard); Repeat this action, and the Bricanyl Turbohaler is ready to use.
Every time you use Bricanyl Turbohaler, remove the cover and, holding it upright, turn the blue grip in one direction and then the other (it should 'click'). This action 'loads' the inhaler with a dose of medicine. Note that you will only receive one dose even if you accidently load the Bricanyl Turbohaler twice or more. Gently and fully but comfortably breathe out. Put the mouthpiece in your mouth (between teeth), close your lips, and breathe in very deeply through your mouth. Finally, take the inhaler out of your mouth and breathe out gently. Repeat this procedure if you require another dose of medicine. Always put the cover on tightly after use and rinse your mouth using water.
The Bricanyl Turbohaler will deliver 120 doses. The number of doses left in the Bricanyl Turbohaler are shown on the dose indicator. The indicator window background turns red when there are 10 doses left. When the '0' reaches the middle of the indicator window, then this is the signal to use a new Bricanyl Turbohaler. The sound made on shaking the Turbohaler does not indicate how much medicine is in it.
It is advisable to contact a doctor or pharmacist if you use too much Bricanyl Turbohaler. When forgetting to use the Bricanyl Turbohaler, take the medicine as soon as you remember; but, do not take the medicine if it is nearly the time for your next dose - forget it and take your usual dose at your usual time.
Who can use Bricanyl Turbohaler?
Bricanyl Turbohaler can be used by children, adults, and the elderly. If a child is prescribed the Bricanyl Turbohaler, then a caregiver should ensure that they use it correctly. Use of Bricanyl Turbohaler by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or should first be discussed with a doctor. The Bricanyl Turbohaler cannot be taken by those with an allergy to terbutaline or its other ingredient lactose.
Before using Bricanyl Turbohaler, let your doctor know if you have diabetes (additional monitoring of your blood sugar levels may be necessary), an overactive thyroid gland, or have/have had heart disease, an irregular heart rhythm, or angina. Additionally, you must discuss all your recent past, present, and future prescription and non-prescription medicines with your doctor; terbutaline can affect the way other medicines work and vice versa. This particularly includes steroids, xanthines (broncodilators e.g., theophylline), beta-blockers (that slow the heart, e.g., atenolol, propranolol), and diuretics (water tablets, e.g., furosemide). To prevent adverse effects, tell your doctor if you are undergoing surgery and having a general anaesthetic.
Bricanyl Turbohaler Side Effects
If your breathing worsens, you wake with asthma in the night, your chest begins to tighten, and/or you do not get relief from the medicine, it means that your asthma is not under control. Consult your doctor immediately, as you may need an additional or alternative treatment.
You should stop using Bricanyl Turbohaler and seek medical attention immediately if you have an allergic reaction (the signs include swelling of the face, skin rash, breathing difficulties, feeling faint, and collapse), or you suddenly experience wheezing shortly after inhaling your dose of medicine. Chest pain due to heart problems has been noted, which should be reported to a doctor who will decide whether the medicine should be stopped.
Some side effects are very common, such as trembling/shaking and headache; while others are common, such as heart palpitations, cramps, feeling tense, and low blood potassium levels (symptoms include muscle weakness/thirst/pins and needles). Some people have reported abnormal heart beats, nausea, irritation of the mouth and throat, and changes in sleep patterns and behaviour (agitation, restlessness, hyperactivity).
GMC registration number: 4524038
Date: 14 September 2024
Next review: 13 September 2026
All UK registered doctors can have their registration checked on
The Medical Register at the GMC website.
Information Leaflet
Source and further information
