Pharmacology · single question
Albuterol (ProAir®) can cause each of the following EXCEPT:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Increased salivary secretion
- A. Incorrect — this IS an effect. Albuterol (β2-agonist) relaxes bronchial smooth muscle — its primary therapeutic action.
- B. Incorrect — this IS an effect. Albuterol inhibits histamine release from mast cells via β2-receptor stimulation.
- C. Correct — this is the EXCEPTION. Albuterol does NOT increase salivary secretion. As a sympathomimetic it causes xerostomia (dry mouth) by inhibiting parasympathetic salivary function.
- D. Incorrect — this IS an effect. Albuterol causes tachycardia through β1 cross-reactivity and reflex mechanisms.