Which medication is a common bronchodilator used in COPD?

Ipratropium is a commonly used bronchodilator in the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This medication is an anticholinergic agent that works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine at parasympathetic sites in bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. Its effects help open airways and improve airflow, making it an important part of the treatment plan for patients with COPD.

While other options listed may have roles in the management of respiratory conditions, they do not primarily serve as bronchodilators for COPD. For example, albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that is also used for bronchodilation, but it is more commonly associated with asthma rather than exclusively treating COPD. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation but does not directly act as a bronchodilator. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist primarily used for managing asthma and allergic conditions rather than for immediate bronchodilation in COPD. Thus, Ipratropium stands out as the primary choice in this scenario.