Bricanyl Turbohaler

What is Bricanyl Turbohaler?

A Bricanyl Turbohaler provides effective, short-term treatment for the symptoms of asthma.

Bricanyl is a type of terbutaline inhaler. It is a commonly-used reliever inhaler due to the instant relief it offers from asthma symptoms. Terbutaline belongs to a group of medicines called bronchodilators.

You can only buy Bricanyl on prescription.

What is Bricanyl Inhaler used to treat?

Bricanyl Turbohaler is an effective asthma treatment designed to relax the muscles in the airways to the lungs, making it easier for the sufferer to breathe.

It is a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler. This makes it easier to use compared to other inhalers, which require you to time your pressing and inhalation precisely.

Bricanyl contains the active ingredient terbutaline sulphate, which can ease your asthma in just five minutes. The effects of the medicine can last for up to six hours after you have used the inhaler.

Why is Bricanyl prescribed to treat asthma?

Terbutaline is a fast-acting bronchodilator. When inhaled, it will start to work within just 5 minutes. Its effects can last for up to 6 hours.

Clinical studies have shown that terbutaline is an effective and safe treatment for the symptoms of asthma.

How does a Bricanyl inhaler work?

Terbutaline works by stimulating the beta2-adrenoceptor in the airways, which causes the airways to the lungs to widen. This allows air to pass through to the lungs unrestricted and makes breathing easier.

Bricanyl inhaler can help with sudden asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness. It should be taken as soon as asthma symptoms appear.

Who can use Bricanyl Turbohaler?

The Bricanyl Turbohaler is an effective treatment for relieving the symptoms of asthma, but it may not be suitable for everyone to use.

Do not use a Bricanyl inhaler without speaking to your doctor first if you have any of the following conditions:

• You are allergic to terbutaline or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine
• You have a history of heart disease, angina, or an irregular heart rhythm
• You have an overactive thyroid gland
• You have diabetes
• You have an intolerance to certain types of sugars

Can you buy Bricanyl over the counter?

No, Bricanyl inhalers are a prescription-only medicine (POM), meaning they are not for sale over the counter at pharmacies.

Can you buy Bricanyl online?

Yes, you can buy a Bricanyl inhaler online at Medicine Direct. However, you will be required to complete an online health consultation so a doctor or healthcare professional can assess your condition and ensure you are receiving the most suitable treatment.

Do not order any type of medicine online unless it is from a regulated pharmacy, like Medicine Direct.

Bricanyl Alternatives

Both Bricanyl and Ventolin are fast-acting bronchodilators and provide instant relief from asthma symptoms. Both inhalers are reliever inhalers. However, they both contain completely different active ingredients. 

Whilst Bricanyl contains Terbutaline, Ventolin inhaler, the more well-known of the two, contains salbutamol. More information on the differences between Ventolin and Bricanyl can be found on our Ventolin Alternatives medical guide.

Other commonly used reliever inhalers include Airomir and Salamol Easi-Breathe which both include salbutamol as their active ingredient.

Bricanyl Turbohaler Indications and Dose

Our doctors and pharmacist prescribe Bricanyl in accordance with NICE prescribing guidelines. 

Always use the Bricanyl Turbohaler exactly as instructed by your doctor. Read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you start to use it. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of how to take your Bricanyl inhaler.

Use your Bricanyl Turbohaler as required, but you should not take more than four doses in a single 24 hour period.

How to use Bricanyl

1. To prepare your Bricanyl Turbohaler, take the blue grip at the bottom of the inhaler and rotate it fully in one direction, then do the same in the opposite direction. You will hear a click when you have done this, which means your inhaler is ready to be used.
2. Exhale fully and put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Take one deep breath to inhale the medicine; inhale for as long as you can. Breathe out gently. Your asthma symptoms should begin to ease after a few minutes once your airways start to open again.
3. After taking a dose, you should rinse your mouth with water to prevent any of the medicine from being absorbed by your throat or mouth.

We recommend watching "How to use your Turbohaler" by MedicinesOrgUK.

Bricanyl Turbohaler Side Effects

As with all medications, Bricanyl comes with the risk of certain side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Common side effects of using a Bricanyl inhaler include:

• Headaches
• Trembling or shaking
• Cramps or feeling tense
• A pounding or rapid heartbeat
• Lower levels of potassium in your blood – may cause thirst, muscle weakness, or pins and needles

Less frequent side effects of using this inhaler can include:

• Irritation in your mouth and/or throat
• Unusual or irregular heartbeats
• Feeling sick
• Changes in your sleeping pattern
• Chest pains
• Changes in your behaviour, such as feeling agitated or hyperactive

Speak to your doctor if you suffer from any of the above side effects while using Bricanyl Turbohaler. 

The above lists may not be exhaustive. Always refer to the patient information leaflet before you start to use your inhaler.

Bricanyl Warnings and Drug Interactions

The Bricanyl Turbohaler may interact with other medicines and increase your risk of side effects or become less effective.

In particular, you should be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications:

• Water tablets (diuretics)
• Any beta-blockers, including eye drops
• Any steroid medicines
• Any medicines classed as xanthines

You should also tell your doctor if you are due to have any surgery before you start using Bricanyl inhalers.

See NICE's website for more information on Bricanyl drug interactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You should speak to your doctor before using a Bricanyl if you are currently pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant.

Similarly, if you are breastfeeding, you should make sure you tell your doctor before you start to use a Bricanyl Turbohaler.

Bricanyl Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Terbutaline sulfate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Bricanyl Turbohaler online in the UK?