title: Physico-chemical aspects of lactose for inhalation.
abstract: A dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a dosage form that consists of a powder formulation in a device which is designed to deliver an active ingredient to the respiratory tract. It has been extensively investigated over the past years and several aspects relating to device and particulate delivery mechanisms have been the focal points for debate. DPI formulations may or may not contain carrier particles but whenever a carrier is included in a commercial formulation, it is almost invariably lactose monohydrate. Many physicochemical properties of the lactose carrier particles have been reported to affect the efficiency of a DPI. A number of preparation methods have been developed which have been claimed to produce lactose carriers with characteristics which lead to improved deposition. Alongside these developments, a number of characterization methods have been developed which have been reported to be useful in the measurement of key properties of the particulate ingredients. This review describes the various physicochemical characteristics of lactose, methods of manufacturing lactose particulates and their characterization.
authors: GEA-NUS Pharmaceutical Processing Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors: Xiang
authors: X
authors: Kou
authors: Lai Wah
authors: LW
authors: Chan
authors: Hartwig
authors: H
authors: Steckel
authors: Paul W S
authors: PW
authors: Heng
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D058995:Dry Powder Inhalers; D007785:Lactose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D007785:Lactose