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Optimal Inhalation Flow Pattern from Turbuhaler Predicted by Laser Photometry
Tetsuri Kondo1, Makoto Hibino1, Toshimori Tanigaki2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa, Japan.
Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery
|October 12, 2021
Summary
The emitted dose from Turbuhaler dry powder inhalers increases with inspiratory flow, unlike other inhalers. Rapid, strong inhalation is recommended for optimal medication delivery with Turbuhaler.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Most dry powder inhalers (DPIs) show dose emission independent of inspiratory flow above a threshold.
- Turbuhaler (TBH) is unique, as its emitted dose (ED) increases linearly with peak inspiratory flow (PIF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate powder clearance and clinical utility of Turbuhaler performance.
- To analyze the relationship between inspiratory flow and drug delivery from TBH.
Main Methods:
- Utilized photo-reflection method (PRM), a laser photometry technique.
- Assessed Pulmicort (PLM) and Symbicort (SMB) using a vacuum pump with varying PIF intensities.
- Compared particle release trajectories and PIF.
Main Results:
- Particle release profiles were similar across DPIs, unaffected by PIF >40 L/min.
- ED from TBH increased linearly with PIF; SMB showed a 2.4-fold greater slope than PLM.
- Peak emitted dose (PK_IED) correlated linearly with PIF and ED.
Conclusions:
- Turbuhaler's emitted dose is dependent on peak emitted dose, influenced by inspiratory flow.
- Recommend rapid, strong, and deep inhalation for effective TBH use.
- PRM is suitable for measuring fine particle release from TBH.

