Albuterol is best described as which type of bronchodilator?

Albuterol is best described as which type of bronchodilator?

• A. Long-acting beta agonist
• B. Short-acting beta agonist
• C. Anticholinergic
• D. Methylxanthine

Answer: (B)

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, increasing cAMP and causing rapid relaxation of the bronchioles to relieve acute bronchospasm. Its onset is quick, providing fast relief, but the effect lasts only a few hours, which is why it’s used as a rescue inhaler rather than for daily prevention. This distinguishes it from long-acting beta agonists, which are for maintenance and have a slower onset. It’s not an anticholinergic or a methylxanthine, which act through different mechanisms and are used in different treatment contexts.

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist. It binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, increasing cAMP and causing rapid relaxation of the bronchioles to relieve acute bronchospasm. Its onset is quick, providing fast relief, but the effect lasts only a few hours, which is why it’s used as a rescue inhaler rather than for daily prevention. This distinguishes it from long-acting beta agonists, which are for maintenance and have a slower onset. It’s not an anticholinergic or a methylxanthine, which act through different mechanisms and are used in different treatment contexts.