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Lactose engineering for better performance in dry powder inhalers.
Yahya Rahimpour1, Hamed Hamishehkar
1Biotechnology Research Center and Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|December 7, 2013
Summary
Lactose is a key carrier in dry powder inhalers (DPIs), improving drug delivery. This review examines lactose
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Materials Science
Background:
- Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) utilize carrier particles to enhance drug powder flowability and dosing accuracy.
- Lactose is the predominant carrier material in DPI formulations due to its favorable properties.
- Various inhalation-grade lactoses with distinct physico-chemical characteristics are commercially available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development and evolution of lactose as a carrier in inhalable formulations.
- To discuss the production methods of lactose carriers for DPIs.
- To analyze the influence of lactose's physico-chemical properties on drug dispersion performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications and patents.
- Analysis of studies on lactose production and modification.
- Examination of research on drug-lactose interactions and dispersion.
Main Results:
- Lactose carriers significantly improve the handling and accuracy of micronized drug particles in DPIs.
- The physico-chemical properties of lactose (e.g., particle size, morphology, surface chemistry) critically affect drug aerosolization.
- Ongoing research focuses on modifying lactose to optimize its performance in DPIs.
Conclusions:
- Lactose remains a vital excipient in DPI development, with its properties directly impacting therapeutic efficacy.
- Understanding and controlling lactose characteristics are essential for designing effective inhalation products.
- Future innovations may involve tailored lactose modifications for enhanced drug delivery via DPIs.
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