Terbutaline, Brain Damage and Autism

Terbutaline was originally approved for usage by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of asthma symptoms. It acts to relax muscles. It has never been approved for use as a drug to prevent labor (a tocolytic drug).

The manufacturer of terbutaline (sold under brand names of brethine and bricanyl) has never sought labeling approval for use as a tocolytic and, in fact, its labeling has specifically stated that it was not approved for treatment of pre-term labor.

Despite such labeling and despite the absence of clinical trial data which would support the efficacy and safety of the use of terbutaline as a maintenance tocolytic (usage of greater than 48 hours), for over 20 years obstetricians have been using terbutaline in such an off-label manner to slow or prevent pre-term labor.

Recent studies relate terbutaline usage to autism. The possibility of such a link has been recognized for some time.

There may be more than one cause of autism. That does not exonerate terbutaline as a cause.

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• The essential features of autistic disorder (Autistic Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder or Asperger’s Syndrome) are the presence of markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication and a markedly restricted repertoire of activity and interest. Manifestation varies greatly depending on the development level and the chronological age of the individual. Autistic disorder is sometime referred to as early infantile autism, childhood autism, or Kanner’s autism. (Diagnostic and Statistical of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed., Text. Rev.). Individuals with autistic disorder have restricted, repetitive and stereotypical patterns of behavior, interests and activities.
  
  This disease can be a consequence of damage that occurs to the fetus during a key development period of time late in the second trimester or early third trimester phase.
  
  A child with autistic disorder is a heartbreaking experience for all family members and creates challenges for not only the family today, but for the future.