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Comparison of nebuliser efficiency for aerosolizing pentamidine
1Department of Medicine, St Stephen's Hospital, University of London, UK.
The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Nebuliser efficiency for inhaled pentamidine (treatment for Pneumocystis pneumonia) varies by brand. Factors like droplet size and drug output significantly impact effectiveness, guiding optimal device selection.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Inhaled pentamidine is a key treatment and prophylactic agent for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
- Nebuliser devices are crucial for delivering inhaled pentamidine, but their efficiency can vary.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficiency of different nebuliser brands in terms of drug output and droplet size.
- To evaluate the impact of pentamidine concentration and gas flow rate on nebuliser performance.
Main Methods:
- Four jet nebuliser brands (Acorn-22, Inspiron, Cirrus, Respirgard II) and one ultrasonic nebuliser (Fisoneb) were tested.
- Drug output and droplet size (mass median diameter) were measured using a laser particle sizer.
- Tests were conducted at two pentamidine concentrations and three gas flow rates.
Main Results:
- Droplet size ranged from 1.2 to 4.7 microns and was generally dependent on flow rate and drug concentration, except for the Respirgard II.
- Drug output varied significantly among brands, with Acorn-22 (61%) and Inspiron (62%) showing higher output than Fisoneb (49%) and Respirgard II (43%) for a 300 mg dose.
- Nebuliser brand is a critical factor influencing both droplet size and drug output.
Conclusions:
- Nebuliser efficiency, determined by droplet size and drug output, differs substantially between various devices.
- Device selection should consider these performance metrics for optimal inhaled pentamidine delivery in Pneumocystis pneumonia management.