What is the most important information I should know about Brethine?

• Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.

What is Brethine?

• Brethine is a bronchodilator. Brethine works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing.
• Brethine is used to treat bronchospasm (wheezing, shortness of breath) associated with lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Brethine may also be used for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Brethine?

• Before taking Brethine, tell your doctor if you have
  • heart disease or high blood pressure;
  • epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
  • diabetes;
  • an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
  • liver disease; or
  • kidney disease.
• You may not be able to take Brethine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Brethine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Brethine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Brethine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Brethine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Brethine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Brethine?

• Take Brethine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• It is important to take Brethine regularly to get the most benefit.
• Do not take Brethine more often or in larger doses than is prescribed by your doctor. Taking more medication than is prescribed could be dangerous. Seek medical attention if you notice that you require more than your usual or more than the maximum amount of any asthma medication in a 24-hour period. An increased need for medication could be an early sign of a serious asthma attack.
• Your doctor may want you to have lung function tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Brethine to monitor progress and side effects.
• Store Brethine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of a Brethine overdose may include angina or chest pain, irregular heartbeats or a fluttering heart, seizures, tremor, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking Brethine?

• Avoid situations that may worsen your respiratory condition such as exercising in cold, dry air; smoking; breathing in dust; and exposure to allergens such as pet fur.

What are the possible side effects of Brethine?

• Stop taking Brethine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
  • chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Brethine and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache;
  • dizziness or lightheadedness;
  • insomnia;
  • tremor or nervousness;
  • sweating;
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
  • dry mouth.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Brethine?

• Before taking Brethine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carteolol (Cartrol), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), nadolol (Corgard), or pindolol (Visken);
  • a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or protriptyline (Vivactil);
  • a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
  • another oral or inhaled bronchodilator; or
  • caffeine, diet pills, or decongestants.
• You may not be able to take Brethine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Brethine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.