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Agonist

Definition

A drug that binds to a receptor and activates it, producing a biological response that mimics the body's natural signaling molecules. Full agonists produce the maximum possible effect, while partial agonists produce a submaximal response even at full receptor occupancy.

Example

Albuterol is a beta-2 agonist that activates airway receptors to relax bronchial smooth muscle, relieving asthma symptoms.

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