Bricanyl Turbohaler
Bricanyl Turbohaler is a fast-acting 'reliever' inhaler used to quickly ease the symptoms of asthma and other breathing conditions when they occur. It contains the active ingredient terbutaline sulfate, which belongs to a class of medicines called beta-agonists. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe within minutes.
You must complete a short online consultation so that our prescriber can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you.
| Product Name: | Bricanyl Turbohaler |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | AstraZeneca |
| Active Ingredient: | Terbutaline Sulfate |
| Administration: | Oral Inhalation |
| Presentation: | Dry Powder Inhaler |
| Available Strengths: | 0.5 mg/dose |
| Prescription Required: | Yes |
| Dosage: | As required, max 4 doses in 24 hours |
| Suitable for pregnancy? | Seek medical advice |
| Use with alcohol: | No known interaction |
| Strength | Package | Current Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mg/dose | 1 Inhaler (120 doses) | £X.XX | |
| This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective. | |||
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Table of Contents
- What is Bricanyl Turbohaler?
- What is Bricanyl Turbohaler Used For?
- Before Using Bricanyl Turbohaler
- Bricanyl Turbohaler Contraindications
- Special Population Considerations
- Bricanyl Turbohaler and Other Medicines
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Driving & Machine Operation
- Bricanyl Turbohaler Ingredients
- How to Use Bricanyl Turbohaler
- Bricanyl Turbohaler Dosage Guidelines
- Administration Instructions
- Missed Dose Management
- Overdose Information
- Bricanyl Turbohaler Side Effects
- How to Store Bricanyl Turbohaler
- Bricanyl Turbohaler Pack Information
- Bricanyl Turbohaler FAQs
What is Bricanyl Turbohaler?
Bricanyl Turbohaler is a dry powder inhaler designed to deliver a specific dose of medicine directly to your lungs. The active substance inside is terbutaline sulfate, which belongs to a group of medicines called 'beta-agonists'.
How Does Bricanyl Turbohaler Work?
During an asthma attack or breathing difficulty, the muscles surrounding the airways in your lungs tighten and the lining becomes inflamed, making it hard to breathe. Think of Bricanyl Turbohaler as a key that unlocks these tight muscles. Terbutaline works by stimulating 'beta-2 receptors' on the airway muscles, which signals them to relax. This quickly opens up (dilates) the airways, allowing more air to flow in and out of the lungs, thereby relieving symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, and breathlessness.
What is Bricanyl Turbohaler Used For?
Bricanyl Turbohaler is used for the relief of bronchospasm (tightening of the airways) in conditions such as:
- Asthma: To provide quick relief from sudden asthma symptoms.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): To ease breathlessness associated with COPD.
⚠️ Emergency Warning: When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Seek medical attention right away if your breathing problems worsen quickly, if you are too breathless to speak, eat, or sleep, or if you do not get relief from your usual dose of Bricanyl. This could be a sign of a severe asthma attack that requires urgent medical treatment.
Before Using Bricanyl Turbohaler
Before you start using Bricanyl Turbohaler, it is crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Special care and monitoring may be needed if you have:
- Diabetes: Bricanyl can increase blood sugar levels, so you may need extra blood sugar tests.
- Heart Disease: Including a history of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or angina.
- Overactive Thyroid Gland (Thyrotoxicosis): This can be exacerbated by the medicine.
Bricanyl Turbohaler Contraindications
Do not use Bricanyl Turbohaler if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to terbutaline sulfate or any of the other ingredients listed in Section 9.
Risk Stratification
| Absolute Contraindications (Do Not Use) | Relative Contraindications (Use With Caution & Medical Supervision) |
|---|---|
| Known hypersensitivity to terbutaline or lactose. | Uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart disease, or thyrotoxicosis. |
Special Population Considerations
Elderly Patients
- May be more susceptible to the effects of the medicine on the heart. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment
- There is limited data, but caution is advised.
Paediatric Use
- Can be used by children, but they must be able to use the Turbohaler device correctly. Supervision by an adult is recommended.
Bricanyl Turbohaler and Other Medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. Key interactions include:
High-Risk Combinations
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, including eye drops like timolol): These can reduce the effect of Bricanyl and are generally not recommended for people with asthma.
- Diuretics (Water tablets, e.g., furosemide): Can increase the risk of low potassium levels in the blood when taken with Bricanyl.
- Xanthines (e.g., theophylline) and Steroids (e.g., prednisolone): May increase the risk of heart-related side effects when combined with Bricanyl.
Important: If you are undergoing surgery with a general anaesthetic, inform your anaesthetist that you are using Bricanyl Turbohaler.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
- If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. Do not stop using your asthma medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Breastfeeding
- Terbutaline is excreted in breast milk. The benefits of treatment should be weighed against the potential risk to the infant. Consult your doctor.
Driving & Machine Operation
- Bricanyl Turbohaler is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines. However, as with any new medicine, be cautious until you are sure how it affects you, as side effects like dizziness or tremor could theoretically occur.
Bricanyl Turbohaler Ingredients
Active Substance
- Terbutaline sulfate (0.5 mg per dose)
Excipients
- Lactose monohydrate
Allergen Warning
This product contains lactose (a milk sugar). The amount is very small and unlikely to cause problems in most people with lactose intolerance. However, it may contain trace amounts of milk protein, which can cause allergic reactions in individuals with a severe milk protein allergy.
How to Use Bricanyl Turbohaler
It is essential to use the Turbohaler correctly to get the full dose of medicine into your lungs.
Bricanyl Turbohaler Dosage Guidelines
Use Bricanyl Turbohaler only as needed to relieve your breathing symptoms.
Standard Dosage
| Patient Group | Recommended Dose | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and Children | One inhalation as required | Four inhalations in any 24-hour period |
⚠️ Asthma Control Warning: If you need to use your Bricanyl Turbohaler more than twice a week to relieve asthma symptoms, this is a sign that your asthma is not well controlled. You must contact your doctor to review your overall asthma treatment plan, as you may need additional 'preventer' medication.
Administration Instructions
Preparing a New Inhaler
Before first use, you must prepare it by turning the blue grip fully in one direction and then back again. Do this twice. You should hear a click.
For Each Inhalation
- Unscrew and lift off the cap.
- Hold the inhaler upright. Turn the blue grip as far as it will go in one direction, then back again. You will hear a click. The dose is now loaded.
- Breathe out gently away from the mouthpiece.
- Place the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe in forcefully and deeply through your mouth.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for about 10 seconds if possible, then breathe out gently.
- Replace the cap tightly.
- Rinse your mouth with water after use to remove any residual powder.
Note: You may not taste or feel the medicine, but if you have inhaled correctly, you can be confident the dose has been delivered.
Missed Dose Management
Since Bricanyl Turbohaler is used 'as needed', there is no fixed dosing schedule. If you forget to take a dose when you feel symptoms, take one inhalation as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Overdose Information
If you use more Bricanyl Turbohaler than you should, you may experience intensified side effects such as tremor, headache, a rapid pounding heartbeat (tachycardia), and low blood potassium. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice immediately. In case of severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.
Bricanyl Turbohaler Side Effects
Like all medicines, Bricanyl Turbohaler can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Serious Side Effects – Stop use and see a doctor straight away:
- Allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe skin rash.
- Sudden wheezing immediately after inhaling a dose.
Other Possible Side Effects:
| Frequency | Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Very Common (affects more than 1 in 10 people) | Trembling or shaking, headache |
| Common (affects up to 1 in 10 people) | Pounding or rapid heart beat (palpitations), muscle cramp or tension, low blood potassium |
| Frequency Not Known | Irregular heart beats, chest pain (angina), nausea, mouth/throat irritation, sleep and behaviour changes |
Reporting Side Effects: If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report them directly via the UK Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
How to Store Bricanyl Turbohaler
- Store below 30°C.
- Keep the cover tightly closed when not in use.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton and inhaler.
- Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use.
Bricanyl Turbohaler Pack Information
What it contains
- The active substance is terbutaline sulfate. Each delivered dose (inhalation) contains terbutaline sulfate 0.5 mg. The only other ingredient is lactose.
Pack presentation
- Multi-dose dry powder inhaler containing 120 doses.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
- AstraZeneca UK Limited.
Where Can I Buy Bricanyl Turbohaler Online in the UK
Secure Bricanyl Turbohaler Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order Bricanyl Turbohaler with confidence through our UK-registered medical prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible patients and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our Bricanyl Turbohaler service combines competitive pricing with strict adherence to MHRA safety standards, ensuring your medication is dispensed through GPhC-registered pharmacies. Every purchase includes discreet packaging and a GDPR-compliant consultation process.
Our clinical team ensures:
- Comprehensive medical history review
- Asthma severity and control assessment
- Drug interaction checks
- Personalised usage guidance
Always consult your GP before starting asthma treatment. Not recommended for children under 6 or those with severe heart conditions.
Bricanyl Turbohaler FAQs
Is Bricanyl Turbohaler a preventer or a reliever?
Bricanyl Turbohaler is a reliever inhaler. It is used to quickly relieve sudden symptoms of asthma, such as breathlessness and wheezing. It is not used for regular daily prevention of symptoms.
How quickly does Bricanyl Turbohaler work?
It usually starts to work within 5-10 minutes, with the effect lasting for up to 6 hours.
Can I use Bricanyl Turbohaler if I am lactose intolerant?
Yes, most people with lactose intolerance can use it. The amount of lactose is very small and is inhaled, not swallowed, so it is unlikely to cause problems. However, if you have a severe milk protein allergy, you should not use this inhaler due to trace milk protein residues.
What should I do if my asthma symptoms get worse?
If your symptoms are getting worse, you need to use your reliever more often, or it doesn't seem to work as well, you must contact your doctor immediately. This indicates your asthma is not controlled and your treatment plan needs reviewing.
Why can't I taste or feel the medicine when I inhale?
The dose of powder is very small, so you may not taste or feel it. This is normal. If you have followed the instructions and inhaled deeply and forcefully, you can be confident you have received the dose.
How do I know when my Bricanyl Turbohaler is empty?
The Turbohaler has a dose indicator. When a red mark first appears in the window, you have about 20 doses left. When the background turns red and shows a '0', the inhaler is empty and you must start a new one. Do not rely on the shaking sound, as this is from a drying agent, not the medicine.
What happens if I use more than 4 doses in 24 hours?
Exceeding the maximum recommended dose increases the risk of side effects like tremors, rapid heartbeat, and low potassium. If you need more than 4 doses in 24 hours, this indicates poor asthma control and you should seek medical advice immediately.
Can children use Bricanyl Turbohaler?
Yes, children can use Bricanyl Turbohaler if they are able to use the device correctly. Adult supervision is recommended to ensure proper technique. The dosage is the same as for adults: one inhalation as needed, maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
Can I use Bricanyl Turbohaler before exercise?
Yes, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you can use Bricanyl Turbohaler 15-30 minutes before exercise to prevent symptoms. This should be discussed with your doctor as part of your asthma management plan.
Is it safe to use Bricanyl Turbohaler long-term?
Bricanyl Turbohaler is safe for long-term use as a reliever medication. However, if you find you need to use it more than twice a week, this indicates your asthma is not well controlled and you should see your doctor to review your treatment plan, as you may need a preventer inhaler.
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Medical Content Manager
Nabeel is a co-founder, and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
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Dr. Talal is a GMC registered doctor and medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He ensures clinical accuracy and reliability across health content.
Medical Director
Usman is a co-founder, and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.
Review Date: 19 November 2025
Next Review: 22 June 2026
Published on: 19 November 2025
Last Updated: 20 November 2025
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