Bricanyl Turbuhaler 500mcg X 100 doses

Bricanyl is used to open up the airways in people with asthma, bronchitis and other breathing problems so that they can breathe more easily. It can also be used before exercise to keep the airways open if you start to wheeze or have trouble breathing each time you exert yourself.

Bricanyl is a `reliever` drug and you should only use it when you need it.

Bricanyl Turbuhaler(R) is available from a pharmacist without a doctor`s prescription.

Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about why this medicine has been recommended for you.

Bricanyl Respules(R) are available only with a doctor`s prescription.

Your doctor will have explained why you are being treated with Bricanyl and told you what dose to take.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

However, your doctor may prescribe this medicine for another use. Ask your doctor if you want more information.

Bricanyl is not addictive

How to take it

You should only take Bricanyl when you need it to ease your breathing. Unless your doctor or pharmacist has told you to, you should not use Bricanyl regularly unless your breathing means that you need it.

Bricanyl comes in two different forms that can be inhaled (breathed in); the Turbuhaler or Respules (liquid solution) for use in a nebuliser. Each package of Bricanyl contains an instruction leaflet that tells you the correct way to use it. Please read it carefully.

Adults

Turbuhaler

The dose is 500 micrograms when needed up to every 4 to 6 hours. If you have severe breathing problems this may be increased up to 1500 micrograms.

You should not take more than 12 inhalations of 500 micrograms terbutaline (6mg) in any 24 hour period. When you take more than one inhalation at a time wait about 2 or 3 minutes between them.

Respules

The dose can range from 2.5 to 5 micrograms (1-2 mL) as required up to every 6 hours. In severe cases, up to 4 mL (10 micrograms) may be nebulised.

Children

Children are usually considered to be aged 12 or less, but check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are at all worried about the dose that has been prescribed/recommended for your child.

Children should be 5 or over before they use the Turbuhaler.

Turbuhaler

The dose is 500 micrograms when needed up to every 4 to 6 hours. If your child has severe breathing problems this may be increased up to 1000 micrograms.

A child should not take more than 8 inhalations of 500 micrograms terbutaline (4mg) in any 24 hour period. When your child takes more than one inhalation at a time get them to wait about 2 or 3 minutes between them.

Respules

The dose of Bricanyl nebulising solution is worked out by using the weight of the child. It is 0.2 micrograms (0.08 mL) for every kilogram the child weighs for each dose. Doses are given when needed up to every 6 hours.

If you find that the usual dose of Bricanyl is not giving as much relief as before, or you are needing to use it more often, please contact your doctor so that your condition can be checked.

This is most important to make sure that your breathing problem does not get out of control.

If you have an Asthma Action Plan that you have agreed with your doctor, follow it closely at all times.

If you forget to take it

Since Bricanyl is only taken when it is needed you will not `miss` any doses.

Overdose

Telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to casualty at your nearest hospital immediately if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Bricanyl even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

If you take too much Bricanyl you will probably have shaky hands (tremor), a headache, feel sick (nausea), anxious, tense, restless, excited and be unable to sleep, muscle twitching or cramps, or fast or irregular heartbeats.