Salbutamol

Salbutamol is a short-acting β₂-adrenergic receptor agonist that relaxes airway smooth muscle and relieves bronchospasm. It is also known as albuterol.

β₂-adrenergic receptor: A G protein-coupled receptor that responds to epinephrine and related agonists, including salbutamol. Salbutamol activates this receptor on airway smooth muscle to promote relaxation.
Asthma: A chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by variable respiratory symptoms and variable expiratory airflow limitation. Salbutamol can relieve acute bronchoconstriction, but it does not control underlying airway inflammation.
Salmeterol: A long-acting β₂-adrenergic agonist used for maintenance bronchodilation. Unlike salbutamol, it has a longer duration and is not intended for rapid symptom relief.
Albuterol: The United States Adopted Name for salbutamol, a short-acting β₂-adrenergic agonist. This is the name used for the same medicine in the United States.
Adenylyl cyclase: An enzyme that produces cyclic AMP from ATP in response to activated G proteins. β₂-receptor signaling stimulates this enzyme, raising cyclic AMP in airway cells.
Metered-dose inhaler: A pressurized device that delivers a measured aerosol dose of medication for inhalation. This device commonly delivers salbutamol directly to the lungs.
Formoterol: A long-acting β₂-adrenergic agonist with a rapid onset of bronchodilation. Its rapid onset and long duration distinguish it from salbutamol's short action.
β₂-adrenergic agonist: A drug that activates β₂-adrenergic receptors, often producing relaxation of airway smooth muscle. Salbutamol belongs to this drug class.
Cyclic AMP: A second messenger that relays signals inside cells and regulates diverse cellular processes. Its increase after receptor activation helps reduce airway smooth-muscle contraction.
Spacer (inhalation device): A chamber attached to an inhaler that holds aerosol briefly before inhalation. A spacer can improve lung delivery of inhaled salbutamol and reduce coordination demands.

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