A nebulizer system for highly reproducible aerosol delivery

The output characteristics of current nebulizer systems are influenced by factors such as inspiratory flow, temperature and relative humidity of the ambient air as well as surface tension of the nebulizing solutions. Due to the resulting alteration of droplet characteristics the delivery of aerosolized drugs is variable. A nebulizer system, the PARI IS-2, has been designed for the delivery of aerosolized potent drugs. It is characterized by a highly consistent aerosol output and a high proportion of droplet mass in the respirable range. Laboratory testing was performed with a Malvern Particle Sizer and by measurement of total and effective output rates. Preconditioned air was supplied to the system in order to simulate different inspiratory flows (steady state) at varying ambient conditions. There was only a small effect on droplet sizes (MMD 3.0 to 3.6 microns) over the investigated range of inspiratory flow, ambient conditions and drug solutions. Total and effective output rates of the nebulizer were found to be linearly proportional between 5 and 20 l/min inspiratory flow thereby compensating for the dilution of aerosol by entrained air. Total output, at a relative humidity between 20% and 80% and at fixed inspiratory flow, varied only by +/- 6% with respect to 50% relative humidity (r.h.). The proportion of the dose delivered from the system ranged from 28% to 67% for an initial fill volume between 0.5 and 3 ml, respectively. Thus, for standardized breathing and by using the manual interrupter for on-command therapy, a highly effective delivery and deposition of therapeutic aerosols in the lungs may be achieved with the PARI IS-2 nebulizer system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)