Nano-drug delivery systems offer significant benefits, including high specific surface area, structural and functional diversity, and surface modifiability. When formulated as inhalable nano-formulation, these can not only enable precise pulmonary drug delivery but also improve pulmonary bioavailability and enhance thera-peutic efficacy. Currently, there are four types of inhalable nano-formulations for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Inhalable liquid preparations exhibit facile manufactur-ability and broad applicability yet demonstrate compromised stability during aerosolization. Through structure optimization, surface modification, dispersion medium optimization and device improvement, the atomization stability of nano-drug has been enhanced. Pressurized metered-dose inhalers loaded with nano-drugs face technical challenges: conventional propellants may dissolve nano-carriers, whereas co-solvents like ethanol compromise delivery efficiency. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel propellants that provide thermodynamic stability and optimal delivery performance. Nano-drug formulations in dry powder inhalers exhibit relatively favorable physical stability, however, pulmonary delivery efficiency and nanoparticles integrity during processing remain problematic. Pulmonary delivery efficiency can be improved by employing strategies such as blending excipients to promote the re-dispersibility of nanoparticle agglomerates, optimizing the design of microcarrier, and innovating preparation processes. In contrast, soft mist inhalers are an ideal option for pulmonary delivery of nano-drugs owing to their gentle and efficient atomization properties to maintain nano-drug integrity. This review summarizes the inhalable nano-formulations and focuses on challenges and proposed strategies encoun-tered in integrating nano-drug delivery systems and inhalation drug delivery systems. It aims to provide references for the future development of inhalable nano-formulations.
Administration, Inhalation ; Humans ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods* ; Nanoparticles ; Dry Powder Inhalers ; Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System ; Drug Compounding ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Drug Carriers

PURPOSE: Asthma control in older asthmatics is often less effective, which may be attributed to small airway dysfunction and poor inhalation technique. We compared the efficacy of 2 inhalers (fluticasone propionate/formoterol treatment using a pressurized metered-dose inhaler [p-MDI group] vs. fluticasone propionate/salmeterol treatment using a dry powder inhaler [DPI group]) in older asthmatics.METHODS: We conducted a 12-week, randomized, open-label, parallel-designed trial in older patients (over 55 years old) with moderate-to-severe asthma, and compared the efficacy and safety for asthma control between the 2 groups. Subgroup analyses on disease duration and air trapping were performed. Clinical parameters, including changes in lung function parameters, inhaler technique and adherence, were compared with monitoring adverse reactions between the 2 groups.RESULTS: A total of 68 patients underwent randomization, and 63 (30 in the p-MDI group and 33 in the DPI group) completed this study. The p-MDI group was non-inferior to the DPI group with regard to the rate of well-controlled asthma (53.3% vs. 45.5%, P < 0.001; a predefined non-inferiority limit of 17%). In subgroup analyses, the proportion of patients who did not reach well-controlled asthma in the p-MDI group was non-inferior to that in the DPI group; the difference was 12.7% among those with a longer disease duration (≥ 15 years) and 17.5% among those with higher air-trapping (RV/TLC ≥ 45%), respectively (a predefined non-inferiority limit of 17%, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in lung function parameters, inhalation techniques, adherence and adverse reactions between the 2 groups.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the p-MDI group may be comparable to the DPI group in the management of older asthmatics in aspects of efficacy and safety.
Airway Management ; Asthma ; Dry Powder Inhalers ; Fluticasone ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Lung ; Medication Adherence ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers ; Random Allocation

BACKGROUND: Proper education regarding inhaler usage and optimal management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is essential for effectively treating patients with COPD. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive education program including inhaler training and COPD management. METHODS: We enlisted 127 patients with COPD on an outpatient basis at 43 private clinics in Korea. The patients were educated on inhaler usage and disease management for three visits across 2 weeks. Physicians and patients were administered a COPD assessment test (CAT) and questionnaires about the correct usage of inhalers and management of COPD before commencement of this program and after their third visit. RESULTS: The outcomes of 127 COPD patients were analyzed. CAT scores (19.6±12.5 vs. 15.1±12.3) improved significantly after this program (p<0.05). Patients with improved CAT scores of 4 points or more had a better understanding of COPD management and the correct technique for using inhalers than those who did not have improved CAT scores (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A comprehensive education program including inhaler training and COPD management at a primary care setting improved CAT scores and led to patients' better understanding of COPD management.
Animals ; Cats ; Disease Management* ; Dry Powder Inhalers ; Education* ; Humans ; Korea ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers* ; Outpatients ; Primary Health Care ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive*

INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to evaluate whether multimedia counselling (MC) using a touchscreen computer is as effective and time-efficient as conventional counselling (CC) in promoting correct metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique, with or without the valved holding chamber (VHC).

METHODSParticipants in the MDI-only and MDI-with-VHC groups were randomly assigned to the MC group or CC group. No blinding was imposed. Inhalation technique was assessed using checklists before and after counselling. Time spent on counselling was determined for all participants, while time taken to perfect the technique was determined only for participants who achieved perfect technique within one hour.

RESULTSThe CC group had more elderly participants than the MC group, but the difference was not significant. MDI-only and MDI-with-VHC users showed significant improvement in their inhaler technique after multimedia (44.5 ± 28.0% and 44.1 ± 14.4%, respectively) and conventional counselling (36.8 ± 20.5% and 37.0 ± 14.6%, respectively). No significant difference in MDI technique enhancement was found between the two groups. Although no significant difference was found between the MC and CC groups with regard to the time spent on counselling and the time taken to perfect the technique, the average time spent on counselling was longer for MDI-only users. MDI-only users had 13.5 times the odds of failing to achieve perfect technique compared to MDI-with-VHC users (95% confidence interval 1.50-121.32, p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONMC and CC significantly improved MDI technique. Both methods showed comparable short-term effectiveness and time-efficiency in MDI technique education. VHC was beneficial, especially for MDI-users with hand-lung coordination problems.

Aged ; Caregivers ; Communication ; Counseling ; Female ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Male ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Middle Aged ; Multimedia ; Multivariate Analysis ; Patient Education as Topic ; Pharmacy ; Professional-Patient Relations ; Prospective Studies ; Time Factors

PURPOSE: Asthma inhalation therapy is important for the treatment of childhood asthma. Therefore, it is necessary to educate patients on the correct inhalation techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and necessity of educating patients on the correct inhalation techniques. METHODS: A total of 86 patients with bronchial asthma and who were over 7 years old were enrolled and educated on handling inhaler devices for 2 years. The inhaler devices used were the diskus (n=27), turbuhaler (n=12) and metered dose inhaler with a spacer (n=47). Trained pharmacists provided the education. Four steps (breathing out prior to inhalation, inhalation, holding the breath, exhaling slowly) that were critical for handling each device were evaluated and each step was scored as good, fair or poor. We evaluated the symptom score (daytime cough, nighttime cough, sleep disturbance and limitation of activity) and lung function before treatment and 4 weeks later. RESULTS: Over 90.0% of the diskus users performed fair to good in each step. The symptom score and lung function at 4 weeks later after education were significantly improved (P=0.000). The turbuhaler users all performed fair to good on each step. The symptom score was significantly improved (P<0.005), but the lung function was not difference. Over 95% of the users of a metered dose inhaler with a spacer performed moderate to good on each step. The symptom score and lung function were significantly improved (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The structured, detailed education on inhaler devices by trained specialists was very important for performing correct inhalation therapy to control asthma, and repeated education might be also necessary.
Asthma ; Cough ; Exhalation ; Handling (Psychology) ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Lung ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers ; Pharmacists ; Respiratory Therapy ; Specialization

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of an education program for patients with asthma who use inhalers. METHODS: The research design for this study was a non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental study. Participants in this study were 36 patients for the control group, and 43 patients for the experimental group. The experimental group participated in the education program. The control group received the usual care. Data were collected before and 1 month and 2 months after the program finished and were analyzed using the SPSS 12.0 program. RESULTS: The experimental group had significantly higher scores of knowledge of inhalers, and inhalation technique compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were found between two groups for PEFR, asthma instability, and satisfaction with inhalers. CONCLUSION: According to the results, the education program was effective in improving knowledge of inhalers, and inhalation technique. Therefore, it is recommended that this education program be used in clinical practice as an effective nursing intervention for patients with asthma on inhalers.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Asthma/*therapy ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; *Metered Dose Inhalers ; Middle Aged ; *Patient Education as Topic ; Patient Satisfaction ; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ; Program Evaluation ; Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo develop a nebulizer controller which can be used to control the ultrasonic nebulizer and spray atomizer which can optimize the working of the nebulizer in pulse way, in a purpose to save the medication and minimize the impact on the environment.

METHODSDesign the controller by using SCM to adjust the frequency and duty factor of the nebulizer pulse. The output pulse of the controller can drive a relay or a electromagnetic valve to control the pulse work of the two kind of nebulizer.

RESULTSThe controller can work in a pulse way, and patients can inhale in pace with the nebulizer.

CONCLUSIONThe controller can save the medication by 50%, and reduce the impact on the environment by 50%.

Equipment Design ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Ultrasonics

This paper is to study the iso-butane (A-31)-driven salbutamol sulfate (SS) metered dose inhaler (MDI) formulations and inhaling status in guinea pigs. Solubility determination and orthogonal design were used to screen non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) SS MDI formulations. Intubation inhalation of MDI in guinea pigs was used as a main administration method. Fluorescence HPLC detection method was testified as a potential method in assaying the concentration of SS in plasma of guinea pigs after inhaling various SS MDI formulations. Analysis of the data was executed with statistical moment calculation from which pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. The results show that A-31 based on SS MDI formulations were screened and the guinea pigs in vivo determination method after inhaling SS MDI was established. The zero-moment rations of SS/A-31 MDI formulation to contrast sample and CFC SS MDI was 143.26% and 147.01%, respectively. The first moment value of SS/A-31 MDI formulation was the highest. It is a preliminary conclusion that the absorption result of SS/A-31 MDI formulation inhaled by guinea pigs is equivalent to HFA-134a formulation in sale and better than CFC formulation. A-31 could be used as a potential substitute candidate for CFC MDI propellant.
Administration, Inhalation ; Aerosol Propellants ; Albuterol ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Animals ; Butanes ; adverse effects ; pharmacokinetics ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Male ; Metered Dose Inhalers ; Respiratory System ; metabolism

OBJECTIVEDry powder inhalers (DPIs) are increasingly being used to deliver drugs for the treatment of asthma. It is known that DPIs require a crucial minimal inspiratory flow. Previous studies have demonstrated that the peak inspiratory flow (PIF, L/min) through a DPI is dependent on the type of device, the age of the patient, and the level of bronchial obstruction. However, the peak inspiratory flow of healthy preschool children in China remains scant in the literature. The present study aimed to analyze the ability of inspiring flow through the resistance state of ordinary use inhaler in Shenzhen healthy preschool children by measuring the peak inspiratory flow through the different analogue dry powder inhalers and go further into the relationship between it and the age, weight and forced expiratory volume of the children.

METHODA survey in 370 healthy preschool children aged 3 to 6 years (75 children aged 3 years, 104 children aged 4 years, 100 children aged 5 years and 91 children aged 6 years) was carried out in Shenzhen. Peak inspiratory flow (PIF) was measured without and with resistances, which mimicked the internal resistances of several inhalers, Diskus, Turbuhaler, Autohaler, Surehaler by PIF meter (In-check DIAL) and then data PIF-N, PIF-D, PIF-T, PIF-A and PIF-S were obtained. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was measured by PEF meter (MicroPeak, USA). These two measurements were made in a well-controlled setting, and at least three attempts were recorded to establish maximum achievement. Six spirometry parameters forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 0.5 second (FEV 0.5), forced expiratory volume at 0.75 second (FEV 0.75), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), maximal mid expiratory flow rate (FEF 25 - 75, PEF were measured by using COSMED spirometry of Italy and the FVC measurements should be around the quality control for spirometry in preschool children which we suggested and published in 2005. All data were expressed as mean +/- SD and analyzed with the statistical software SPSS 12.0 for Windows. Pearson's test was used for calculation of the significances of the correlation coefficients. Variance analysis was used for analysing the variability of inspiratory flows through the inhalers.

RESULTSResults were obtained from 295 children aged 3 - 6 years who successfully finished the tests. The PIF-N, PIF-D, PIF-T, PIF-A and PIF-S were significantly different among the groups aged 3 yrs, 4 yrs, 5 yrs and 6 yrs. The peak inspiratory flow significantly increased with age. The PIF-N, PIF-D, PIF-T, PIF-A and PIF-S in the children of 110 cm height and above were significantly higher than those in the children below 110 cm height, so were the parameters between the children of 120 cm height and above and the children below 120 cm. PIF correlated significantly with age, height and weight and the Pearson coefficient was 0.3 - 0.5. The PIFs in different inhalers varied because of the different inner resistances. The minimum and optimum PIFs in resistances of Diskus, Autohaler and Surehaler could be achieved in almost all subjects, but those in resistances of Turbuhaler could be achieved in only 87.5% subjects, most of whom aged 3 yrs or below 100 cm height. There were good correlations between the PIFs in different resistances and main parameters of ventilation function (FVC, FEV 0.5, FEV 0.75, FEV1, FEF 25 - 75, PEF), PEF was the best among them (Pearson correlative coefficient was 0.6).

CONCLUSIONThe inspiratory ability of the children can be predicted and assessed by using routine measurement of lung function of normal pre-school children. As to the pre-school children of varying ages, the variety of inspiratory ability should be considered completely in the selection of inhaler used during the treatment. The best inhaler suitable for them should be selected properly in order to obtain the best efficacy of treatment individually.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Inspiratory Capacity ; Male ; Maximal Expiratory Flow Rate ; Metered Dose Inhalers

Aerosol Propellants ; Animals ; Delayed-Action Preparations ; Humans ; Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated ; administration & dosage ; metabolism ; Lung ; metabolism ; Metered Dose Inhalers