title: Probability of particle and salbutamol deposition in the respiratory tract: comparison between MDI and Autohaler.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari e Respiratorie, Università degli Studi, La Sapienza, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Terzano
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mannino
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol