In vitro characteristics of tobramycin aerosol from ultrasonic and jet nebulizers.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the in vitro performance of an ultrasonic nebulizer and a jet nebulizer in producing a respirable aerosol of tobramycin solution for injection.


METHODS
In vitro observational study


METHODS
Ultrasonic and jet nebulizers.


METHODS
Output was determined by measuring the difference in nebulizer weight before and after nebulizing 3 ml of tobramycin injection solution. Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and respirable mass were determined by sampling tobramycin aerosol into a cascade impactor.


RESULTS
Mean (SD) output was 1.14 (0.09) ml/minute for the ultrasonic nebulizer and 0.64 (0.08) ml/minute (p<0.001) for the jet nebulizer. Mean MMAD for the jet nebulizer (2.31 [0.10] microm) was less than that of the ultrasonic nebulizer (2.81 [0.17] microm, p<0.001). The majority of tobramycin aerosol produced was in the respirable range for both the ultrasonic (65.1% [4.10%]) and jet (60.6% [0.73%], p=0.008) nebulizers.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite small, clinically unimportant differences in aerosol size and respirable fraction, either device would be acceptable to administer tobramycin injection solution.
Asmus
M J
MJ
College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainsville, USA.
Milavetz
G
G
Tice
A L
AL
Teresi
M E
ME
D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010316:Particle Size; D014031:Tobramycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014465:Ultrasonics
D000336:Aerosols; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014031:Tobramycin