SABA
Medical abbreviation · Drug Class
| Stands for | Short-acting beta2-agonist |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SABA stands for Short-acting beta2-agonist, a drug class abbreviation.
Rescue bronchodilators, mainly albuterol (salbutamol) and levalbuterol, that open the airways within minutes and last about 4 to 6 hours. They treat acute wheezing and prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Example: SABA use 4 days a week and night waking twice monthly: step up controller therapy.
Usage notes
Frequent SABA use signals poorly controlled asthma, and dispensing three or more canisters a year is linked to higher risk of severe attacks and death. Since 2019 the Global Initiative for Asthma has advised against SABA-only treatment for adolescents and adults. Because albuterol shifts potassium into cells, high-dose nebulized albuterol is used to treat hyperkalemia.
Related abbreviations
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- PDE5i – Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor
- PGA – Prostaglandin analog
- PI – Protease inhibitor
- PPI – Proton pump inhibitor
- SAMA – Short-acting muscarinic antagonist
- SARI – Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor
- SARMs – Selective androgen receptor modulators
- SCIT – Subcutaneous immunotherapy
- SERD – Selective estrogen receptor degrader
- SERM – Selective estrogen receptor modulator
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.