Which inhaled medication is a short-acting beta-agonist?

Which inhaled medication is a short-acting beta-agonist?

• A. Levalbuterol
• B. Salmeterol
• C. Arformoterol
• D. Racemic Epinephrine

Answer: (A)

Short-acting beta-agonists provide rapid bronchodilation by quickly stimulating beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, giving quick relief of bronchospasm. Levalbuterol fits this profile perfectly: it is a selective beta-2 agonist with a rapid onset of action and a short duration, making it the go-to rescue inhaler for acute symptoms. The other inhaled beta-agonists listed are long-acting: salmeterol and arformoterol offer sustained bronchodilation for maintenance and have a slower onset. Racemic epinephrine is a nonselective adrenergic agonist used for very specific indications like reducing airway edema, not as a routine short-acting rescue bronchodilator.

Short-acting beta-agonists provide rapid bronchodilation by quickly stimulating beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle, giving quick relief of bronchospasm. Levalbuterol fits this profile perfectly: it is a selective beta-2 agonist with a rapid onset of action and a short duration, making it the go-to rescue inhaler for acute symptoms. The other inhaled beta-agonists listed are long-acting: salmeterol and arformoterol offer sustained bronchodilation for maintenance and have a slower onset. Racemic epinephrine is a nonselective adrenergic agonist used for very specific indications like reducing airway edema, not as a routine short-acting rescue bronchodilator.