Terbutaline is a selective β₂-adrenergic receptor agonist primarily used as a bronchodilator to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It works by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways, improving airflow and easing breathing. Terbutaline was first developed in the late 1960s by the Swedish pharmaceutical company Astra AB and introduced into clinical use in the early 1970s as an alternative to non-selective adrenergic drugs, offering fewer cardiac side effects. Over time, it has also been used off-label as a tocolytic agent to delay premature labor, although such use has become more restricted due to safety concerns.
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