Apart from particle size distribution, spray velocity is one of the most important aerosol characteristics that influence lung deposition of inhaled drugs. The time period over which the aerosol is released (spray duration) is also important for coordination of inhalation. Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI) is a new generation, propellant-free inhaler that delivers drug to the lung much more efficiently than pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). The objective of this study was to compare the velocity and spray duration of aerosol clouds produced by Respimat SMI with those from a variety of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) pMDIs. All inhalers contained solutions or suspensions of bronchodilators. A videorecording method was used to determine the aerosol velocity. For spray duration, the time for generation of the Soft Mist by Respimat SMI was initially determined using three different methods (videorecording [techniques A and B], laser light diffraction and rotating disc). Videorecording was then used to compare the spray duration of Respimat SMI with those from the other inhalers. The Soft Mist produced by Respimat SMI moved much more slowly and had a more prolonged duration than aerosol clouds from pMDIs (mean velocity at a 10-cm distance from the nozzle: Respimat SMI, 0.8 m/sec; pMDIs, 2.0-8.4 m/sec; mean duration: Respimat SMI, 1.5 sec; pMDIs, 0.15-0.36 sec). These characteristics should result in improved lung and reduced oropharyngeal deposition, and are likely to simplify coordination of inhaler actuation and inhalation compared with pMDIs.
The Respimat Ò Soft Mist TM Inhaler represents a unique delivery system for respiratory medications, using an innovative concept with major technological advancements made during prototype development. The Respimat Ò concept was driven by the intent to solve problems associated with existing inhaler devices for patient use. The following core aims were achieved: (1) avoiding propellants while reducing requirements for patient coordination and inspiratory effort; (2) optimizing drug delivery to the lungs, and; (3) improving the patients' experience of taking their inhaled medication.
The RespimatÒ inhaler is the first-marketed, pocket-sized inhaler to successfully generate a metered dose of therapeutic aerosol mist from an aqueous solution. Patient feedback has strongly influenced the evolution of the Respimat Ò inhaler design and instructions for use. The availability of Respimat Ò augments options for clinicians and patients seeking to choose an inhaler that can effectively and consistently deliver respiratory medication to targeted areas of the lung. In many countries worldwide, Respimat Ò is available for the administration of tiotropium, olodaterol (and tiotropium/olodaterol in fixed-dose combination), ipratropium/fenoterol, and ipratropium/albuterol. Funding: Boehringer Ingelheim.
IntroductionPressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) are associated with global warming potential values as they contain a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant, whereas the Respimat® Soft Mist™ inhaler is propellant-free. The original disposable Respimat has recently been updated to provide a reusable device that is similar in performance and use but is more convenient to patients and reduces environmental impact. This study compared the product carbon footprint (PCF) of Respimat (both disposable and reusable) and pMDIs to understand life cycle hotspots, and also to determine the potential quantitative environmental benefits of a reusable Respimat product.MethodsPCFs of four inhalation products—tiotropium bromide (Spiriva®) Respimat, ipratropium bromide/fenoterol hydrobromide (Berodual®) Respimat, Berodual HFA pMDI and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®) HFA pMDI—were assessed across their whole life cycle.ResultsData show that Respimat inhalers have a lower PCF (carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram) than HFA pMDIs: pMDI Atrovent 14.59; pMDI Berodual 16.48; disposable Spiriva Respimat 0.78; disposable Berodual Respimat 0.78. Approximately 98% of the pMDI life cycle total is due to HFA propellant emissions during use and end-of-life phases. The impact of the material used for the Respimat product outweighs the impact of the material used to make the empty cartridge. Furthermore, compared with the single-use device over 1 month, the PCF of Spiriva Respimat was further reduced by 57% and 71% using the device with refill cartridges over 3 and 6 months, respectively.ConclusionTogether, these data suggest that Respimat inhalers, and in particular the new reusable inhaler, can reduce the environmental impact associated with inhaler use.FundingBoehringer Ingelheim.
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