Bricanyl Turbohaler

What is Bricanyl Turbohaler and what is it used for?

Bricanyl Turbohaler is an effective treatment for the short-term relief of asthma symptoms. It can also be used as a preventative treatment to stop asthma symptoms from occurring after exercise. Bricanyl Turbohaler is also effective at relieving associated breathing problems linked with certain chest diseases. The active ingredient is Terbutaline Sulfate, which will ease breathing within five minutes of use and will continue working for up to six hours after administration.

One advantage of the Bricanyl Turbohaler is that it's a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler. This makes it easier to use than most other inhalers, which require you to time your pressing and inhaling correctly.

Bricanyl Turbohaler is manufactured by AstraZeneca in the UK; it is classified as a prescription-only-medicine (POM). Repeat supplies of Bricanyl Turbohaler are available to buy from The Independent Pharmacy, following a free consultation.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a very common condition, affecting over five million people in The UK. The tubes that connect the windpipe to the lungs are called bronchi. When these tubes become inflamed it causes the airway passages to contract. Another consequence of this inflammation is an increased production of phlegm, which further serves to obstruct the airways. This leads to asthma symptoms, which include; coughing, wheezing, tight chest, and short breath.

Although asthma is a common infliction, people's experiences with the associated symptoms can vary. Depending on the sufferer, asthma attacks can be triggered by allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, stress, or airborne chemicals, such as smoke or pollutants. It is not known why some people are more susceptible to these irritants than others, though family history tends to increase one's likelihood of having the condition.

How does Bricanyl Turbohaler work?

Generally, there are two types of asthma inhalers. First, there are 'preventer' inhalers, which typically contain a corticosteroid. In most cases, these are designed to be taken every day. Preventer inhalers work to reduce inflammation in the airways, which will control and limit the chances of experiencing an asthma attack.

Terbutaline inhalers, including Bricanyl Turbohaler, belong to a second group of asthma inhalers, which are known as 'relievers'. These inhalers are only used when required, to help ease asthma symptoms. Bricanyl can also be used pre-emptively before you exercise, or prior to encountering known asthma-inducing allergens.

Alternatives to Bricanyl Turbohaler

Asthma is not a condition that can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications. If you are looking for another treatment or want to swap inhalers you will need to broach this subject with your GP at your regular asthma review. For more information about prescription asthma treatments available from The Independent Pharmacy please see our Advice for Asthma page.

Please do not 'try' a new inhaler without seeing your GP first. We recommend you have a regular checkup with your regular GP to ensure your inhalers are still keeping your asthma controlled and are still the best course for you.

Sources

• Bricanyl Turbohaler, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Bricanyl Turbohaler warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Before using a Bricanyl Turbohaler, inform your doctor if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• A history of heart disease
• Irregular heart rhythm

Bricanyl Turbohaler and other medicines

Before using a Bricanyl Turbohaler, inform your doctor if you take any of the following medications:

• Xanthines (such as aminophylline or theophylline)
• Steroids
• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers (such as propranolol, atenolol or timolol)

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Bricanyl Turbohaler dose

• To prepare the Bricanyl Turbohaler, take the blue grip at the bottom of the device, rotate it as far as possible in one direction, and then do the same in the opposite direction. If done correctly you should hear a click, indicating the Turbohaler is ready for use.
• Exhale fully and place your mouth to the mouthpiece.
• Inhale the medicine with one deep, steady breath. You should feel your airways opening within a few minutes.
• Take one dose of the Turbohaler as required, but do not exceed 4 doses within a 24-hour period.
• After each dose, remember to rinse your mouth with water. This prevents any excess medicine from being absorbed by your mouth or throat.

Bricanyl ingredients

The active ingredient contained in the Bricanyl Turbohaler is: Terbutaline sulfate 0.5mg.

Inactive ingredients: Contains lactose.

Bricanyl side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use Bricanyl inhalers, however, if you do they can include:

• Headache
• Mild trembling
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle weakness

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.