Bricanyl

What is it?

A bronchodilator and a selective 132-agonist (a selective beta receptor stimulant) and muscle relaxant containing terbutaline sulphate. Bricanyl is available as tablets, a syrup and as a variety of preparations suitable for use with different kinds of inhaler.

Medical Uses

Bronchospasm in asthma.

Dosage

Bricanyl white scored tablets, marked 5 and A/BT contain 5mg. Adult dose: 1 tablet twice each day or at 8-hour intervals. Children: 7 to 15 years, half adult dose. Young children under 7 should use syrup. Also, BRICANYL SA (sustained release) tablets, white, marked A/BD, contain 7.5mg. Adult dose: 1 twice each day. BRICANYL Aerosol inhalation, capsules contain 0.25mg per metered dose aerosol. Adults and children: 1 to 2 puffs as required, maximum dose 8 puffs in 24 hours. BRICANYL TURBOHALER is a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler containing 0.5mg per metered dose. Adults and children, 1 inhalation as needed with a maximum of 4 in 24 hours. BRICANYL SPACER INHALER (with extended mouthpiece which is collapsible) contains 0.25mg per dose. Adults and children, 1 to 2 puffs as required with a maximum of 8 in 24 hours. BRICANYL RESPULES (for use with nebulizer) contain 5mg per 2ml solution as single dose units. Adults: 5-10mg 2, 3 or 4 times each day. Children over 25kg body weight: 5mg 2, 3 or 4 times daily. Both with nebulizer. BRICANYL RESPIRATOR SOLUTION (for use with power-operated nebulizer) contains 10mg per ml (diluted before use with sterile physiological saline). Adults, 5 to 10mg, children, 2-10mg diluted and used with nebulizer. BRICANYL SYRUP (sugar-free) contains 1.5mg per 5ml. Adults: 10-15ml; children under 3 years: 2.5ml; 3 to 7 years, 2.55ml, 7 to 15 years, 5-10ml. All at 8- hour intervals. BRICANYL INJECTION contains 0.5mg per ml in ampoules. Adults; 0.25-0.5mg by subcutaneous, intramuscular or slow intravenous injection up to 4 times each day. Children; 2 to 15 years, 10µg per kg of body weight, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or by slow intravenous injection. Maximum dose, 300µg.

Special Care

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, heart disorders, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Sympathomimetics, hypokalaemic drugs (lowering potassium levels), β-blockers.

Known Side Effects

Headache, nervous tension, trembling, palpitations, muscle cramps, lowered potassium levels, nettle rash, skin effects, disturbance of sleep and behavioural upset in children.