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Differences in output from corticosteroid inhalers used with a volumatic spacer
1Dept of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Good Hope NHS Trust, Sutton Coldfield, UK.
The European Respiratory Journal
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Generic corticosteroid inhalers used with spacers show significant dose output differences. Patients may not receive equivalent asthma therapy when switching between generic inhaler devices.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Technology
Background:
- Corticosteroid inhalers with spacer devices are crucial for asthma management.
- The increasing use of generic inhalers necessitates evaluating their therapeutic equivalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro dose output of generic beclomethasone dipropionate inhalers from different manufacturers when used with a spacer device.
- To determine if generic inhalers provide equivalent corticosteroid delivery compared to established brands.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of beclomethasone dipropionate inhalers (250 mcg/puff) from three manufacturers (Allen & Hanburys, 3M, Baker Norton).
- Dose output was measured using a computer-driven pump system discharging into a Volumatic spacer.
- Drug content was analyzed from filters after random sampling of 20 inhalers per manufacturer.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in dose output per puff were observed among the tested inhalers.
- A 36% difference in output was found between the highest and lowest output devices.
- These findings indicate non-equivalence in delivered corticosteroid dose between different generic inhaler brands.
Conclusions:
- There are significant differences in the dose output of generic beclomethasone dipropionate inhalers when used with a spacer.
- Substitution of one generic inhaler device for another may lead to non-equivalent corticosteroid therapy for asthma patients.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of these variations to ensure consistent patient treatment.