How To Use Bricanyl

Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide

Follow these steps every time you use your Bricanyl Turbohaler. The inhaler delivers a dry powder, so you must breathe in forcefully.

1. Unscrew the cover – Remove the blue cover. You may hear a rattling sound; this is the drying agent, not the medicine.
2. Load the dose – Hold the inhaler upright with the blue grip at the bottom. Turn the grip fully in one direction, then fully in the other direction. You will hear a click. Your dose is now loaded. Do not hold the mouthpiece while loading.
3. Breathe out gently – Hold the inhaler away from your mouth and breathe out as far as comfortable. Never breathe out through the mouthpiece.
4. Inhale the dose – Place the mouthpiece gently between your teeth, close your lips, and breathe in as deeply and forcefully as you can. Do not chew or bite.
5. Remove and breathe out – Take the inhaler out of your mouth and breathe out gently. You may not taste or feel the powder – this is normal. The dose is in your lungs.
6. Replace the cover – Put the cover back on tightly after each use to keep out moisture.
7. Rinse your mouth – If possible, rinse your mouth with water after each dose to remove any residual powder and reduce throat irritation.

Cleaning: Wipe the outside of the mouthpiece once a week with a dry tissue. Do not use water – the inhaler is a dry powder device and moisture can block it.

Dosage Guide

Bricanyl is for as‑needed relief of asthma symptoms. Do not use it regularly unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Adults and children: One inhalation (0.5 mg) as required for symptom relief.
• Maximum dose: Do not exceed 4 inhalations in any 24‑hour period.
• Duration of effect: Each dose lasts up to 6 hours. Wait at least 6 hours between doses unless symptoms return sooner (but never exceed 4 in 24 hours).
• Missed dose: If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double up.
• Overdose: Taking more than 4 inhalations in 24 hours can cause palpitations, tremor, headache, or low potassium. Contact your doctor or NHS 111 immediately.

When to review treatment: If you need Bricanyl more than twice a week, or if your symptoms are waking you at night, your asthma may be poorly controlled. Make an appointment with your GP to review your preventer inhaler.

Who Should Use Bricanyl?

Bricanyl is suitable for adults and children with asthma or other reversible airways disease who need quick relief from:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Cough associated with asthma

It is also used for exercise‑induced bronchospasm (take 10–15 minutes before exercise). Your doctor will prescribe it as part of your personal asthma action plan.

Who Should NOT Use Bricanyl?

Do not use Bricanyl if:

• You are allergic to terbutaline sulfate or any of the ingredients (including lactose/milk proteins).
• You have a history of hypersensitivity to milk proteins – the lactose in this product contains trace amounts.

Talk to your doctor before using if you have:

• Heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, angina, recent heart attack)
• High blood pressure
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Diabetes (may need extra blood sugar monitoring when starting)
• Low potassium levels (or risk of hypokalaemia)
• Severe liver or kidney disease

Taking Bricanyl With or Without Food

Bricanyl is inhaled directly into the lungs, so food does not affect its absorption or action. You can use it at any time, regardless of meals. However, if you experience mouth or throat irritation, rinsing your mouth after each dose (with water) can help.

Special Populations: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Other Conditions

Pregnancy

Bricanyl should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor. Uncontrolled asthma poses greater risks to both mother and baby than using a reliever. There is limited data, but terbutaline is not known to cause birth defects. Discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

Terbutaline passes into breast milk in small amounts, but it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. The amount ingested by the infant is unlikely to cause any effect. However, monitor the baby for signs of tremor or rapid heart rate (rare).

Elderly

No special dose adjustment is needed, but elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects such as tremor or palpitations. Use with caution.

Children

Bricanyl is licensed for children. The dose is the same as for adults (1 inhalation as required, up to 4 in 24 hours). Ensure the child can use the Turbohaler correctly – supervision may be needed.

Liver or kidney impairment

No specific dose adjustment is usually required, but caution is advised in severe hepatic or renal impairment due to possible reduced clearance and increased systemic effects. Monitor potassium levels.

Bricanyl Usage FAQs

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If you have asthma and think a reliever like Bricanyl may be appropriate, a UK‑registered doctor can assess your symptoms and provide a prescription online.

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