Question

Bambuterol is a prodrug of

• A. Salmeterol
• B. Terbutaline
• C. Albuterol
• D. Theophylline

Hint:

Prodrugs are pharmacologically inactive compounds that are metabolized in the body to release the active drug; bambuterol is a classic example used for sustained β₂-agonist activity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Bambuterol is a long-acting β₂-adrenergic receptor agonist that functions as a prodrug. After oral administration, it is metabolized in the liver and plasma to form the active compound terbutaline. Terbutaline is a short-acting selective β₂-agonist, commonly used as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD. Bambuterol provides prolonged bronchodilation due to its gradual conversion into terbutaline, making it suitable for once-daily administration. - Salmeterol is a long-acting β₂-agonist but is not a metabolite of bambuterol.
- Albuterol (salbutamol) is a short-acting β₂-agonist, but again, it is not related to bambuterol metabolism.
- Theophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator with a different mechanism of action.
Hence, bambuterol is a prodrug of terbutaline.