Albuterol is best described as which of the following?

• A. Long-acting bronchodilator used for COPD.
• B. Short-term rescue inhaler that treats reversible airway obstruction associated with asthma.
• C. Antibiotic used for pneumonia.
• D. Anticholinergic for urinary incontinence.

Answer: (B)

Albuterol is a rapid-acting bronchodilator used as a rescue inhaler to relieve reversible airway obstruction, such as that seen in asthma. It works by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the airway smooth muscle, causing quick relaxation and bronchodilation. Because it acts within minutes and lasts only a few hours, its primary role is short-term relief during acute bronchospasm or prior to exercise to prevent symptoms. It is not an antibiotic for pneumonia, nor an anticholinergic for urinary incontinence. It isn’t classified as a long-acting agent for COPD, which would be a different medication class used for routine symptom control.