NCIt definition : The sulfate salt of the short-acting sympathomimetic agent albuterol, a 1:1 racemic
mixture of (R)-albuterol and (S)-albuterol with bronchodilator activity. Albuterol
stimulates beta2-adrenergic receptors in the lungs, thereby activating the enzyme
adenylate cyclase that catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cyclic-3',5'-adenosine monophosphate
(cAMP). Increased cAMP concentrations relax bronchial smooth muscle, relieve bronchospasms,
and reduce inflammatory cell mediator release, especially from mast cells. To a lesser
extent albuterol stimulates beta1-adrenergic receptors, thereby increasing the force
and rate of myocardial contraction.;