Overview
Medication is most commonly stored in solution in a pressurized
canister. The canister is attached to a plastic, hand-operated
actuator. For example, the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) on
activation releases a fixed dose of medication in aerosol form.
The correct procedure for using a MDI is to first fully exhale,
place the mouth-piece end of the pump into the mouth, and having
just started to inhale, depress the canister to release the
medicine. The aerosolized medication is drawn into the lungs by
continuing to inhale deeply before holding the breath for 10
seconds to allow absorption into the bronchial walls.
Alternatively a complementary spacer devise may be used, of
which is an enclosed plastic chamber that mixes the medication
with air in a simple tube, making it easier for patients to
receive a full dose of the drug.
The largest manufacturers of inhalers are GlaxoSmithKline
(makers of the Advair Discus (a DPI)), Merck, AstraZeneca
(makers of Pulmicort and Symbicort) and Boehringer-Ingelheim
(makers of Atrovent, Combivent, and Spiriva). BI, GSK, Merck,
and AstraZeneca manufacture the medication being delivered via
inhaler. However, 3M Drug Delivery Systems does some of the
finished product manufacturing, as they are one of the leaders
of MDI canisters, metering valves and other components.
Current Types of Inhalers by Delivery
Metered-dose inhaler or MDI
Dry Powder Inhaler or DPI
Nebulizer
Current Types of Inhalers by Category
Rescue Inhalers: Short-Acting Beta-2 Adrenergic Bronchodilator
Inhalers
Maintenance Inhalers: Long-Acting Adrenergic Bronchodilator
Inhalers
Maintenance Inhalers: Anticholinergic Bronchodilators in COPD
Maintenance Inhalers: Corticosteroids
Combination Inhalers: Corticosteroid with LongActing Beta-2
Adrenergic Agonist
Combination Maintenance Inhaler: Anticholinergics with Short-
Acting Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonists.
Nicotine replacement
therapy Nasal spray >>
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Smoking cessation
Statistics
Information for smokers trying to quit
1. Modalities
2. Alternative techniques
Information for healthcare professionals
1. Screening
Nicotine replacement therapy
1. Nicotine patch
2. Inhaler
3. Nasal spray
4. Gum
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