To which class of medications do albuterol and levalbuterol belong?

Albuterol and levalbuterol belong to the class of medications known as beta-agonists. This class is primarily used as bronchodilators to relieve airway constriction in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Beta-agonists work by stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways, leading to relaxation and dilation of the bronchial passages, which facilitates easier breathing.

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), providing quick relief of asthma symptoms, while levalbuterol is a more selective version of albuterol, which is designed to minimize side effects while providing similar bronchodilation effects. This selectivity can be particularly beneficial in patients who experience more significant side effects from less selective beta-agonists.

The other classes of medications listed serve different roles in respiratory therapy. Corticosteroids are primarily anti-inflammatory agents used to reduce inflammation in the airways, leukotriene modifiers help to reduce bronchoconstriction and inflammation related to leukotrienes, and anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the airways to prevent bronchoconstriction. However, in the context of bronchodilation provided in acute situations,