The search for alternatives to metered-dose inhalers has accelerated recently in a bid to find effective products that do not use chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants. This paper reviews the factors to be considered in developing dry powder inhalers (DPIs), particularly the formulation, metering design and flow path in the device. The advantages and disadvantages of current DPIs are discussed and possible future approaches outlined. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.
机构:
US FDA, Div Quantitat Methods & Modeling, Off Res & Stand, Off Gener Drugs,Ctr Drug Evaluat & Res, Silver Spring, MD USAUniv Sydney, Sch Aerosp Mech & Mechatron Engn, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia