Which medication is a Beta-2 agonist commonly used to treat COPD?

Which medication is a Beta-2 agonist commonly used to treat COPD?

• A. Albuterol
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Atropine
• D. Lidocaine

Answer: (A)

Beta-2 agonists relax the smooth muscle of the airways by stimulating beta-2 receptors, increasing cAMP, which leads to bronchodilation. In COPD, this helps open the airways and improve airflow during bronchospasm. Albuterol is a selective Beta-2 agonist commonly used for quick relief of COPD symptoms; it’s usually given by inhalation for rapid onset with fewer systemic effects. Other options listed don’t provide this targeted Beta-2 bronchodilation: epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist with broader effects, atropine is an antimuscarinic, and lidocaine is a local anesthetic/antiarrhythmic.

Beta-2 agonists relax the smooth muscle of the airways by stimulating beta-2 receptors, increasing cAMP, which leads to bronchodilation. In COPD, this helps open the airways and improve airflow during bronchospasm. Albuterol is a selective Beta-2 agonist commonly used for quick relief of COPD symptoms; it’s usually given by inhalation for rapid onset with fewer systemic effects. Other options listed don’t provide this targeted Beta-2 bronchodilation: epinephrine is a non-selective adrenergic agonist with broader effects, atropine is an antimuscarinic, and lidocaine is a local anesthetic/antiarrhythmic.