(2) Indication. Terbutaline is indicated as a bronchodilator for persons who
have bronchial asthma. Terbutaline is longer acting than metaproterenol
(3)
Cautions and warnings associated with terbutaline.
(a) This drug is contraindicated in patients who have preexisting
cardiac arrhythmias associated with tachycardia .
(b) Terbutaline is not recommended for use with patients who are
under 12 years of age.
(4) Side effects. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulation and muscle
tremors are commonly seen in patients who take this drug.
h.
Amphetamine.
(1) Pharmacological actions. Amphetamine is a powerful central nervous
system (CNS) stimulant with both alpha and beta activity.
(a) CNS effects. Amphetamine causes the person to be awake and
alert. Furthermore, the person feels a decreased sense of fatigue.
(b) Cardiovascular effects. Amphetamine increases cardiac input and
increases blood pressure.
NOTE:
Overdosing or repeated dosing can reverse the effects of amphetamine.
This occurs because amphetamine promotes the release of norepinephrine
from its storage sites. Thus, large amounts of amphetamine deplete the
stores of norepinephrine and results in diminished or in no effect being
produced (tachyphylaxis).
(2) Indications for the use of amphetamine derivatives. Amphetamine
derivatives are used to treat a variety of conditions. They are as follows:
(a) Obesity. Amphetamine derivatives are sometimes prescribed to
help an individual lose weight.
(b) Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a condition characterized by brief
attacks of deep sleep. Amphetamine-like products are used to treat this condition
because of their ability to stimulate the patient.
(c) Hyperkinetic syndrome (attention deficient disorder) in children.
Amphetamine derivatives normally stimulate adults; however, in children, it produces a
paradoxical (unexpected) effect of calming the patient, decreasing hyperactivity, and
prolonging attention span.
MD0805
7-9