Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
07:28
Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
New ipratropium formulation to decrease nebulization time
Caroline Majoral1, Laurent Vecellio, Daniel Grimbert
1INSERM U-618, Tours, F-37000, France.
Respiratory Medicine
|July 21, 2006
Summary
A new, lower-volume ipratropium bromide formulation significantly reduces nebulization time when combined with terbutaline. However, this new formulation alone results in lower inhaled mass, indicating a minimum nebulization volume is required.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Technology
Background:
- A new anticholinergic aerosol formulation of ipratropium bromide (0.5mg/1mL) has been developed to reduce nebulization time compared to the traditional 0.5mg/2mL formulation.
- The traditional formulation is manufactured by Boehringer-Ingelheim, France, while terbutaline (5mg/2mL) is manufactured by AstraZeneca, Sweden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the aerosol characteristics, including inhaled mass, particle size distribution, and nebulization time, of the new and traditional ipratropium bromide formulations.
- To evaluate these formulations when nebulized alone and in combination with terbutaline.
- To determine the equivalence of the new formulation to the old one.
Main Methods:
- Four different jet nebulizers (PariLC+, Atomisor NL9M, Sidestream, Mistyneb) were utilized for the study.
- Aerosol characteristics of ipratropium bromide (0.5mg/1mL and 0.5mg/2mL) were measured, both alone and in combination with terbutaline (5mg/2mL).
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results between the different formulations and nebulizers.
Main Results:
- The inhaled mass of ipratropium bromide 0.5mg/1mL was significantly lower than the 0.5mg/2mL formulation when nebulized alone.
- No statistical difference in inhaled mass was observed between the new and old formulations when combined with terbutaline.
- The new ipratropium bromide formulation (0.5mg/1mL) mixed with terbutaline resulted in a 26% decrease in nebulization time compared to the old formulation (0.5mg/2mL) mixed with terbutaline, without altering aerosol characteristics.
- Nebulization of ipratropium bromide 0.5mg/1mL alone must be avoided, suggesting a minimum nebulization volume of 2mL is necessary.
Conclusions:
- The new ipratropium bromide formulation (0.5mg/1mL) offers a significant reduction in nebulization time when co-nebulized with terbutaline.
- A minimum nebulization volume of 2mL is required for effective drug delivery.
- Nebulizing the new ipratropium bromide formulation alone should be avoided due to reduced inhaled mass.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Inhaled Medications
Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
01:24Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics
Cholinergic antagonists—such as antimuscarinics—are available in oral, topical, ocular, parenteral, and inhalational formulations. Most antimuscarinics are oral formulations, while scopolamine is available as a topical patch, and ipratropium and tiotropium are available as inhalation aerosols or powders. Atropine, tropicamide, and cyclopentolate are topically instilled in the eye. Most antimuscarinics are lipid-soluble and readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and the conjunctiva.
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:11Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacokinetics
All neuromuscular blocking agents are injected intravenously because they are poorly absorbed from the GI tract. Rapid onset is achieved with intravenous administration, although absorption is also adequate from an intramuscular injection. Since these agents are highly ionized, they do not readily penetrate cell membranes or cross the blood-brain barrier.
Instead, they are transported by the blood to different tissues. Muscles with a greater blood supply (arteries) and blood flow receive more...
Instead, they are transported by the blood to different tissues. Muscles with a greater blood supply (arteries) and blood flow receive more...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:28IV Infusion to Oral Dosing: Conversion Methods
The development of extended-release formulations has facilitated the transition from intravenous to oral medication, offering a more convenient and patient-friendly approach to drug administration. This transition, however, requires careful management to ensure that therapeutic drug levels are maintained, preserving efficacy and avoiding adverse effects. Understanding pharmacokinetic principles and dosage calculations is critical during this process.Pharmacokinetics of the...