Delivery of HFA and CFC salbutamol from spacer devices used in infancy.
The aim of the study was to compare the in vitro delivery of four salbutamol pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) via the three spacer devices commonly used in European infants: Aerochamber-Infant, Babyhaler, and metallic NES-spacer. Emitted dose (ED) and fine particle dose (FPD, particles<5.8 microm) of each combination of spacer device and pMDI (chlorofluorocarbon-based Ventoline, Eolène, Spréor, and hydrofluoroalkane-based Airomir were measured respectively using unit dose sampling tubes (n=30 per combination) and an 8-stage cascade impactor (n=6 per group). The results were compared by analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls method. ED of Airomir was always greater than for Ventoline (P<0.05). FPD obtained with Ventoline was the lowest, with Eolène>Airomir=Spréor>Ventoline (P<0.05). Only Airomir produced a similar FPD with all three spacer devices. Chlorofluorocarbon-salbutamol pMDIs are not generics when used with spacer devices. The three spacer devices may be used interchangeably with Airomir.
Dubus
J C
JC
Department of Pediatrics, CHU Timone-Enfants, 13385 Cedex 5, Marseille, France. hdubus@mail.ap-hm.fr
Rhem
R
R
Dolovich
M
M
D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D015370:Infant Equipment; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010316:Particle Size
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000420:Albuterol