The formulation of powder inhalation systems containing a high mass of nedocromil sodium trihydrate

Abstract

Nedocromil sodium trihydrate is not amenable to conventional methods of dry powder inhaler formulation, including the preparation of coarse carrier systems and aggregation of the pure drug powder. It is considered that the in vitro aerosol performance of such systems is governed by the cohesive drug–drug interactions. Therefore, alternative powder formulation strategies (novel to nedocromil sodium) were developed. By decreasing the particle size of the lactose carrier, the deaggregation and subsequent fine particle drug deposition were significantly improved. Further improvements were made by selecting and then optimizing high‐shear mixing procedures. It was concluded, based on these findings and supportive microscopic studies (low‐temperature and environmental scanning electron microscopy together with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis), that the FPL are producing their functional effects by intercalating within the drug self‐agglomerates and physically disrupting the cohesive drug–drug interactions. The use of a smaller‐sized lactose fraction in conjunction with a blending procedure capable of optimally disrupting the drug self‐agglomerates allowed maximal intercalation of the excipient material within the drug self‐agglomerates. The adhesive drug–FPL interactions are considered to be weak compared with the cohesive drug–drug particle interactions, cohesive interactions that would normally govern the aerosol performance of powder systems containing a high mass of nedocromil sodium trihydrate. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:213–223, 2001