Which statement correctly describes a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) such as Salmeterol in asthma management?

• A. LABA; prophylaxis/maintenance; not for rescue; may be used in COPD
• B. Short-acting beta-agonist
• C. Inhaled corticosteroid
• D. Anticholinergic

Answer: (A)

Long-acting beta-agonists like Salmeterol are used as preventive, maintenance bronchodilators in asthma. They provide bronchodilation for an extended period, helping to prevent symptoms on a daily basis. They are not used for quick relief during an acute attack because their onset is not rapid and they don’t reverse an ongoing bronchospasm. In asthma, LABAs are typically combined with an inhaled corticosteroid rather than used alone, to improve control and reduce exacerbations. They can also be used as maintenance therapy in COPD. This aligns with describing LABA as maintenance/prophylaxis, not for rescue, with potential use in COPD. The other options describe different drug classes: a short-acting beta-agonist is used for rescue, an inhaled corticosteroid is anti-inflammatory, and an anticholinergic is a different mechanism of bronchodilation.