Drug Output and Aerosol Characteristics of Different Jet Nebulisers for Adults While Simulating the Nebulisation of Salbutamol

Abstract

Successful inhalation therapy with nebulisers depends on the amount and quality of the aerosol. Choosing a nebuliser requires knowledge of relevant aerosol characteristics. We analysed the aerosol performance of 9 commercially available jet nebulisers in 2 in vitro simulation models by assessing the aerosol delivery of albuterol (Sultanol forte® Inhalation Solution 2.5 mg/2.5 ml; GSK) over 4 minutes. The output parameters were analysed with PARI Compas II breath simulator mimicking an adult breathing pattern (Ph.Eur.9.0; n = 5/6 nebulisation), and the aerodynamic particle size distribution was determined by the Next Generation Impactor (Ph.Eur.9.0, Copley Scientific; n = 3 nebulisation). The aerosol performance of the devices differed considerably. The DDR varied from 196 µg/min (PARI LC Sprint (blue)) to 67 µg/min (MIDINEB). The Respirable Drug Delivery Rate (RDDR), calculated from the DDR and the Fine Particle Fraction ≤ 5 µm, varied by a factor of 3.5 between the nebulisers tested. The results of the in vitro simulation studies can be utilised to select an appropriate nebuliser for the individual patient. In order to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, a nebuliser with a high RDDR should be selected.