Aerosols and anti-infectious agents

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Drug Delivery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Aerosol administration of anti-infectious agents is an emerging, though often unapproved, therapeutic route.
• Key concerns involve potential drug degradation during nebulization, particularly with ultrasound technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the stability of anti-infectious drugs during aerosolization.
• To assess the impact of nebulizer type and characteristics on aerosol efficacy.
• To explore new methods for monitoring aerosolized anti-infectious drug therapy.

Main Methods:

• Assessed the stability of colistin, an antibiotic, under high-frequency ultrasound nebulization.
• Compared aerosol generation from amphotericin B and colistin using both ultrasonic and jet nebulizers.
• Evaluated nebulizer performance based on intrinsic device characteristics and drug compatibility.

Main Results:

• Colistin demonstrated resistance to high-frequency ultrasound, suggesting stability for other molecules like aminoglycosides.
• Both ultrasonic and jet nebulizers could produce respirable aerosols for amphotericin B and colistin.
• Nebulizer efficacy depends on device specifics and drug interaction, not solely the nebulization mechanism.
• Dosimetric nebulizers significantly improve inhaled aerosol mass in the respirable range.

Conclusions:

• Aerosolized anti-infectious agents, like colistin, are viable and potentially stable during nebulization.
• Nebulizer selection should prioritize intrinsic performance and drug compatibility for optimal aerosol delivery.
• Development of new pharmacological monitoring, such as urinary assays, is crucial for effective aerosolized anti-infectious therapy.