Assessment of vaping devices as an alternative respiratory drug delivery system

The respiratory system has generated significant interest as an alternative drug delivery route. However, because of the limitations encountered with the present inhalation devices, alternative options could present an ideal opportunity to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and patient compliance. Vaping devices have been extensively used to deliver nicotine. This manuscript aimed to conduct an in vitro evaluation of the performance of commonly used vaping devices to assess their effectiveness in delivering fluticasone propionate (FP) to the lungs. Vaping devices were assessed for aerodynamic performance using the NGI. The e-liquid containing FP was made using glycerin and propylene glycol. The results showed the superiority of the vape-tank and vape-coil over the vape-pod. The vape-tank delivered the highest amount of nicotine. The e-liquid containing the FP was assessed and the results were compared with a marketed FP pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). The results of the respirable dose (RD) ranged from 22.10 µg for the vape pod, to 50.38 µg for the vape-tank; whereas the marketed pMDI value was 44.54 µg despite the lower content of FP per actuation in the vaping devices (100 µg versus 125 µg). Interestingly, the vaping devices showed a significantly lower level of oropharyngeal deposition than the pMDI (10% versus 50%), and hence, the potential for fewer side effects than those encountered with the chronic use of inhalers. Despite the effectiveness of the vape tank and coil in delivering a high percentage of FP, which makes them a promising alternative for delivering an effective yet user-friendly dosage of respiratory drugs, their safety and toxicity need to be established.