Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
04:22
Disposable Dosators for Pulmonary Insufflation of Therapeutic Agents to Small Animals
Published on: March 30, 2017
Metered-dose inhalers: actuators old and new
1Head of HFA Programmes, Vectura Group Plc., Chippenham, UK. david.lewis@vectura.com
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|May 11, 2007
Summary
The metered-dose inhaler actuator, a key patient interface since 1956, significantly impacts drug delivery to the lungs. Its design influences lung deposition and reduces oropharyngeal deposition, enhancing inhaler effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical technology
- Respiratory medicine
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- The actuator is the primary patient interface for metered-dose inhalers (MDIs).
- The original 1956 actuator design continues to influence modern MDI technology.
- MDIs are recognized as clinically effective and cost-effective drug delivery devices.
Observation:
- This review examines the evolution of MDI actuators since their inception.
- Key design elements influencing lung deposition potential are discussed.
- The actuator's role in reducing oropharyngeal drug deposition is a central focus.
Findings:
- The actuator's geometry significantly impacts lung deposition.
- Proper actuator design facilitates correct patient usage of MDIs.
- Actuators provide crucial patient feedback during MDI use.
Implications:
- Optimized actuator design can improve MDI therapeutic efficacy.
- Understanding actuator-device-patient interactions is vital for effective respiratory care.
- Further innovations in actuator design may enhance MDI performance and patient outcomes.
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...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
01:14Ventilatory Modes
Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...