Probability of particle and salbutamol deposition in the respiratory tract: comparison between MDI and Autohaler.
The aim of this study was to assess the granulometric characteristics and the deposition probabilities of particles and drug, in the respiratory tract, following one puff of salbutamol delivered by a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and a breath-actuated metered-dose inhaler (BAI-Autohaler). Particle analysis, achieved using an API Aerosizer Mach2, showed that the two devices have similar granulometric characteristics; recording the following data for the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and for the geometric standard deviation (GSD): MDI (MMAD 2.29 microns. GSD 1.46); BAI (MMAD 2.41 microns, GSD 1.48). Data on the percentage of drug carried by the single particles suggest a higher probability of deposition of salbutamol delivered by Autohaler in the pulmonary and tracheobronchial tracts (approximately 61 vs 48% for the conventional MDI) and a reduced deposition in the orolaryngeal tract (17 vs 26% for the conventional MDI), with a consequently lower risk of having collateral effects caused by systemic absorption of the drug and an improved effectiveness at the site of action.
Terzano
C
C
Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari e Respiratorie, Università degli Studi, La Sapienza, Roma, Italy.
Mannino
F
F
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010316:Particle Size
D000336:Aerosols; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol