Which statement about albuterol (a SABA) is true?

• A. Long-acting beta agonist
• B. Inhaled corticosteroid
• C. Anticholinergic
• D. Short-acting beta agonist; bronchodilation; rescue only; may raise BP and pulse

Answer: (D)

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that rapidly relaxes airway smooth muscle to cause quick bronchodilation. This makes it the go-to rescue inhaler for acute bronchospasm in asthma or COPD, not a controller medication. It is not an inhaled corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) and not an anticholinergic. Because it stimulates adrenergic receptors, it can raise heart rate and blood pressure in some people, especially at higher doses. Its bronchodilatory effects are short-lived (about 4–6 hours), so it’s used for rescue rather than ongoing maintenance. This aligns with the statement describing it as short-acting, causing bronchodilation, used for rescue, and possibly increasing BP and pulse.