A bronchodilator is a medication intended to improve bronchial airflow. Treatment of bronchial asthma is the most common application of these drugs.
They are also intended to help expand the airways and improve the breathing capacity of patients with emphysema, pneumonia and bronchitis.

Pharmaceutically bronchodilators belong to β-2 mimetics - they act on β-2 receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and bronchial mucous membranes.

Bronchodilators, particularly non-prescription ones, are often misused as stimulants. Brand names of common bronchodilators :

• Ventolin (salbutamol)