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Nicotine microaerosol inhaler
P G Andrus1, R Rhem, J Rosenfeld
1Aerosol Research Laboratory, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. andrusp@fhs.csu.McMaster.CA
Canadian Respiratory Journal
|January 7, 2000
Summary
This study measured nicotine inhaler droplet size, finding it mimics tobacco smoke delivery. This nicotine inhaler offers a safer alternative to smoking by avoiding combustion products.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Aerosol Science
Background:
- Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are used for drug delivery.
- Nicotine delivery via inhalation is an area of interest for smoking cessation and harm reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the droplet size distribution of a nicotine pressurized metered-dose inhaler.
- To evaluate the potential of this MDI for mimicking nicotine delivery from tobacco smoke.
Main Methods:
- Droplet size distribution was measured using a multistage liquid impinger (MLI) and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) impactor.
- Nicotine in ethanol solution with hydrofluoroalkane propellant was used in the MDI formulation.
Main Results:
- The mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was determined to be 1.6 µm by MLI and 1.5 µm by QCM impactor.
- These droplet sizes indicate the formation of a fine aerosol.
Conclusions:
- The tested nicotine MDI formulation produces a microaerosol with a fine droplet size.
- This formulation can mimic the pulmonary nicotine delivery of tobacco smoke.
- Nicotine delivery via this MDI is potentially safer than smoking due to the absence of combustion products.