Which drugs are classified as bronchodilators?

Bronchodilators are medications specifically designed to relax and open the airways in the lungs, which helps individuals who experience respiratory issues such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The correct choice identifies albuterol and salmeterol as bronchodilators.

Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), often used for quick relief of acute bronchospasm. It works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, leading to relaxation and dilation of the airways. Salmeterol, on the other hand, is a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), intended for maintenance therapy. It provides prolonged bronchial dilation, making it effective in controlling asthma and COPD symptoms over a longer period.

The other options consist of medications used for different purposes. Fluticasone and budesonide are corticosteroids that help reduce inflammation in the airways but do not act as bronchodilators. Fluoxetine and sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), primarily used for treating depression and anxiety disorders. Diphenhydramine and loratadine are antihistamines, which are effective for allergic reactions but do not serve a bron