Category: pharmacological
Aliases: Salbutamol, Ventolin, ProAir, Proventil
Short-acting β2-adrenergic agonist (SABA). Activates β2 receptors on bronchial smooth muscle → cAMP rise → relaxation, used for acute bronchospasm in asthma/COPD. Onset ~5 min via MDI, peak ~30-90 min, duration 3-6 h. Inhaled is the dominant route; oral has higher systemic exposure but slower onset and more β1 cross-effect.