Bambuterol is a medication used primarily for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It belongs to a class of drugs called beta-2 adrenergic agonists, which work by relaxing the muscles in the airways, thereby improving airflow to the lungs.

Bambuterol is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form, terbutaline, in the body. Terbutaline acts on beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscle of the airways, causing them to relax and dilate, which helps to relieve symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath