Characterization of Four Medical Nebulizer Systems

Abstract

Medical nebulizers offer quick and efficient drug delivery via the lungs to target tissues, with reduced systemic effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate four MABIS nebulizer systems based on reservoir drug content, concentration, and temperature during nebulization. AccuNeb Inhalation Solution, 1.25 mg (high) and 0.63 mg (low) preformed 3ml dosages, was used in evaluating the reservoir drug characteristics. Systems evaluated were CompMist (CM), MiniComp (MC), NebXP (XP), and Mist II Ultrasonic Nebulizer (UN). The absolute drug content at the end of nebulization (EON) was least in UN (0.23mg) and greatest in XP (0.54mg) for the high dose; and was the same for all nebulizers (0.15mg) except for XP (0.18mg) for the low dose. The drug concentration at EON for the high dose was least in UN (1.40mg) and greatest in CM (1.64mg); and for the low dose was least in UN (0.66mg) and greatest in MC (0.86mg). The reservoir temperature decreased in CM, MC, and XP with tubing a mean of 11.2°C, while XP w/out tubing and UN increased 8.2 and 2.4°C respectively. Therefore, the degree of drug nebulization was greatest in UN model and required the shortest time to reach EON. The increased temperature of XP could cause degradation of thermo-labile proteins.