The efficacy of drug delivery by a pear-shaped spacer and metered dose inhaler.
The efficacy of terbutaline delivered via a 750 ml spacer device (Nebuhaler) compared with a metered dose inhaler alone was studied by means of an open cross-over trial in eight patients with stable asthma. The FEV1 and FVC response curves with cumulative doses up to 8 mg were shifted significantly to the left using the device, whilst side effects were not significantly increased. These results indicate that the spacer significantly improves aerosol drug delivery from a pressurized inhaler, even in patients whose inhalation technique was considered adequate.
D000328:Adult; D000336:Aerosols; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects
D000336:Aerosols; D013726:Terbutaline