What are albuterol and metaproterenol?

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Multiple Choice

What are albuterol and metaproterenol?

Explanation:
These drugs are sympathomimetic bronchodilators. They activate beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, which stimulates adenylate cyclase and increases cAMP. The rise in cAMP causes relaxation of the airway muscles, leading to bronchodilation and easier airflow. This sympathetic action lowers airway resistance and helps relieve bronchospasm, especially in asthma or COPD. Inhaled forms are preferred to limit systemic effects, though some tachycardia or tremor can occur with higher doses due to extra beta-1 or systemic activity. They’re not parasympatholytic or parasympathomimetic, which affect the cholinergic system, nor sympatholytic, which would block sympathetic effects.

These drugs are sympathomimetic bronchodilators. They activate beta-2 adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle, which stimulates adenylate cyclase and increases cAMP. The rise in cAMP causes relaxation of the airway muscles, leading to bronchodilation and easier airflow. This sympathetic action lowers airway resistance and helps relieve bronchospasm, especially in asthma or COPD. Inhaled forms are preferred to limit systemic effects, though some tachycardia or tremor can occur with higher doses due to extra beta-1 or systemic activity. They’re not parasympatholytic or parasympathomimetic, which affect the cholinergic system, nor sympatholytic, which would block sympathetic effects.

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