What is the primary action of Albuterol?

Prepare for the Valencia College Paramedic Program Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations. Ace your exam and boost your career prospects!

The primary action of Albuterol is bronchodilation, which means it relaxes and opens the airways in the lungs. Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that specifically targets the beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes. When these receptors are stimulated, it results in the relaxation of the bronchial muscles, allowing for increased airflow and improved breathing. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing bronchospasm associated with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Other choices, such as vasodilation and increased heart rate, may happen as secondary effects due to the drug's action on other adrenergic receptors, but they are not the primary therapeutic target. Similarly, while antihistamines serve to manage allergic reactions, they do not relate to the primary pharmacological effect of Albuterol.

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