SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Metered Dose Inhalers”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide plus fenoterol inhaled via Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler vs. a conventional metered dose inhaler plus spacer in children with asthma.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/fenoterol hydrobromide (IB/FEN; Berodual) delivered from the novel propellant-free Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI) with that from a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) metered-dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer in children with asthma. The study followed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind (within Respimat SMI), parallel-group design. During the 2-week run-in period, patients received two actuations of CFC-MDI tid (IB 20 microg/FEN 50 microg per actuation) via a spacer (Aerochamber) (MDI 40/100). Patients (n=535) were then randomized to: Respimat SMI containing IB 10 microg/FEN 25 microg (Respimat SMI 10/25), IB 20 microg/FEN 50 microg (Respimat SMI 20/50), one actuation tid or CFC-MDI containing IB 20 microg/FEN 50 microg per actuation (in total 1B 40 microg/FEN 100 microg), or two actuations tid via Aerochamber (MDI 40/100), for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) during the first 60 min after dosing (area under the curve from 0-1 h [AUC(0-1 h)]) on day 29. Analysis of the primary endpoint demonstrated that the efficacy of Respimat SMI 10/25 and 20/50 was equivalent to or greater than that of MDI 40/100. Similar results indicating that Respimat SMI 10/25 and 20/50 were not inferior to MDI 40/100 were also found on days 1 and 15. Analyses of other secondary endpoints supported these results. The safety profile of Respimat SMI was comparable to that of the CFC-MDI plus spacer. In conclusion, IB/FEN delivered via Respimat SMI is at least as effective as, and is as safe as, when delivered via CFC-MDI plus Aerochamber in children with asthma. Use of Respimat SMI thus enables a 2-4-fold reduction in the nominal dose of IB/FEN, and obviates the need for a spacer.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1995

Elevation of breath ethanol measurements by metered-dose inhalers.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) may contain as much as 38% ethanol. We evaluated the effects of ethanol-containing MDIs on breath alcohol testing. DESIGN: Prospective, single-blind, crossover, controlled study. PARTICIPANTS: Three healthy male volunteers 29 to 36 years old. INTERVENTION: We studied three brands: Tornalate, (38% ethanol), Bronkometer, (30% ethanol), and Alupent, (0% ethanol). The effects of each MDI on breath and blood ethanol measurements were evaluated separately. Two puffs of each brand of MDI were administered. Breath ethanol measurements were obtained at baseline and .25, .5, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after MDI use. Blood ethanol measurements were obtained at baseline and 1 and 10 minutes after MDI use. RESULTS: Overall, Tornalate had the highest breath ethanol readings, with a mean ethanol level of 189 mg/dL recorded just after MDI use. Breath ethanol levels subsequently decreased rapidly over time. Mean breath ethanol concentrations were lower after the use of Bronkometer and undetectable after the use of Alupent. Blood ethanol levels were undetectable at all times tested. CONCLUSION: MDIs may cause elevations of breath alcohol above the legal criteria for intoxication. These effects are transient and may be prevented by a 10-minute interval between the use of an MDI and breath alcohol testing.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1997

Floating patterns of metered dose inhalers.

As long as metered dose inhalers have existed, patients have sought a reliable method to determine if a given canister was still potent. Concerning beta agonists, the answer to this question may be lifesaving. Issues of compliance have made dating canisters or counting doses impractical. Likewise, previous claims of floating characteristics are unreliable. In tap water, we float-tested 13 commonly used inhalers three times each, observing variations as they were incrementally actuated, emptying their contents. One essential pattern was observed. Almost all prescription-size canisters sink when full; all float by the time one-third of their contents is gone. Orientation of prescription-size canisters changes in a distinct pattern especially near 90% depletion. Sample-size canisters showed some variance. Results suggest that the pharmaceutical industry should include individual floating characteristics as part of the package insert as they provide a reproducible means of gauging contents.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2005

Principles of metered-dose inhaler design.

The pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) was introduced to deliver asthma medications in a convenient and reliable multi-dose presentation. The key components of the pMDI device (propellants, formulation, metering valve, and actuator) all play roles in the formation of the spray, and in determining drug delivery to the lungs. Hence the opportunity exists to design a pMDI product by adjusting the formulation, metering-valve size, and actuator nozzle diameter in order to obtain the required spray characteristics and fine-particle dose. Breath-actuated pMDIs, breath-coordinated pMDIs, spray-velocity modifiers, and spacer devices may be useful for patients who cannot use a conventional press-and-breathe pMDI correctly. Modern pMDI devices, which contain non-ozone-depleting propellants, should allow inhalation therapy via pMDI to extend well into the 21st century for a variety of treatment indications.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1997

Relative bioavailability of salbutamol to the lung following inhalation via a novel dry powder inhaler and a standard metered dose inhaler.

AIMS: The number of dry powder inhaler (DPI) devices could increase because they are easier to use than a metered dose inhaler (MDI). Using urinary excretion, the relative bioavailability of salbutamol to the lungs and the body for a prototype DPI has been compared with an MDI. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, two way crossover study compared the amount of salbutamol in the urine 30 min following inhalation of 2 x 100 micrograms salbutamol from a prototype DPI (Innovata Biomed Ltd, UK) and a Ventolin (Allen and Hanburys Ltd, UK) MDI in 10 volunteers. The amount of salbutamol and its metabolite, the ester sulphate conjugate, renally excreted up to 24 h post inhalation was also determined to evaluate the relative bioavailability of salbutamol to the body. RESULTS: The mean (s.d.) 30 min post-treatment urinary excretion for the prototype DPI and MDI was 8.4 (2.6) and 5.0 (1.9) micrograms, respectively (P < 0.001). The total amount of salbutamol and its ester metabolite excreted in the urine over the 24 h period after inhalation was 187.9 (77.6) and 137.6 (40.0) micrograms (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prototype DPI delivered more salbutamol to the body and the lungs than a conventional MDI. This finding supports further development of the prototype DPI. The urinary salbutamol method is able to discriminate between two different inhalation systems.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2002

Demonstrated use of metered-dose inhalers and peak flow meters by children and adolescents with acute asthma exacerbations.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the ability of children and adolescents with acute asthma exacerbations to adhere to national guidelines for proper metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and peak flow meter (PFM) technique and to define characteristics associated with improper use. DESIGN: A prospective study in which the patients were instructed to use a placebo MDI or a PFM in the emergency department exactly as at home. Technique was graded on the basis of performance of specific steps recommended by national guidelines. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Children and adolescents (aged 2-18 years) with acute asthma exacerbations in the emergency department of an urban children's hospital with acute asthma. RESULTS: Thirty-three (45.2%) of 73 patients using an MDI (MDI group) demonstrated multiple steps improperly compared with 60 (44.4%) of 135 using an MDI with a holding chamber (MDI-HC group; P =.92). In the MDI group, young ages of the patients (P<.008) and the parents (P<.003) were associated with improper use. In the MDI-HC group, factors independently and significantly associated with improper use were no hospitalizations within the past year, parent assistance of the patient with MDI-HC use, and nondaily use of the MDI-HC. Also, 165 (82.9%) of 199 children who, per national guidelines, should be using a PFM at home, did not. Eighty-two (73.9%) of 111 patients demonstrated perfect performance of all PFM steps. CONCLUSIONS: Among children with acute asthma, we found high rates of improper MDI use and PFM underuse. A greater emphasis must be placed on teaching methods to optimize drug delivery and to instruct patients about the importance of self-monitoring of disease severity.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1994

A comparison of "closed" and "open" mouth techniques of inhalation of a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler.

To compare two techniques of inhalation of a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler--"closed" mouth (keeping the actuator between the lips) and "open" mouth (placing the actuator a few centimeters in front of the open mouth)--50 asthmatics were tested with both methods. Twenty-seven patients completed the study. The baseline FEV1 on the 2 test days was similar. Inhalation of salbutamol by both techniques resulted in a significant and similar degree of bronchodilatation. The majority of patients preferred the closed-mouth technique.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1993

Administration errors with a conventional metered dose inhaler versus a novel breath actuated device.

Metered dose inhalers are difficult for patients to use. A device that eliminates coordination and timing of actuation may simplify the use of metered dose inhalers. This trial compared (1) number of errors made and (2) specific errors made between the conventional press and breathe metered dose inhaler (MDI) and the novel breath actuated Autohaler inhalation device in 24 subjects. We studied the use of each device in 12 patients trained and experienced in using an MDI and in 12 volunteers who had never been exposed to any inhalation device. We observed that even experienced patients continue to have difficulty with the coordination and timing of metered dose inhalers. The volunteer group had equal difficulty with both devices but it appeared that it was easier for them to learn how to use the breath actuated device than the MDI.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2005

Deposition of corticosteroid aerosol in the human lung by Respimat Soft Mist inhaler compared to deposition by metered dose inhaler or by Turbuhaler dry powder inhaler.

Fourteen mild-to-moderate asthmatic patients completed a randomized four-way crossover scintigraphic study to determine the lung deposition of 200 microg budesonide inhaled from a Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler (Respimat SMI), 200 microg budesonide inhaled from a Turbuhaler dry powder inhaler (Turbuhaler DPI, used with fast and slow peak inhaled flow rates), and 250 microg beclomethasone dipropionate inhaled from a pressurized metered dose inhaler (Becloforte pMDI). Mean (range) whole lung deposition of drug from the Respimat SMI (51.6 [46-57]% of the metered dose) was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than that from the Turbuhaler DPI used with both fast and slow inhaled flow rates (28.5 [24-33]% and 17.8 [14-22]%, respectively) or from the Becloforte pMDI (8.9 [6-12]%). The deposition pattern within the lungs was more peripheral for Respimat SMI than for Turbuhaler DPI. The results of this study showed that Respimat SMI deposited corticosteroid more efficiently in the lungs than either of two widely used inhaler devices, Turbuhaler DPI or Becloforte pMDI.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Deposition pattern of radiolabeled salbutamol inhaled from a metered-dose inhaler by means of a spacer with mask in young children with airway obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The exact amount of drug deposited in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract in children with airway obstruction, when delivered from a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) via a spacer with mask, and its distribution in children with airway obstruction, are unknown. METHODS: We studied 15 children, using salbutamol labeled with technetium 99m. Each patient was imaged with a gamma-camera immediately after one puff of labeled salbutamol was administered via a spacer with mask. Drug deposition was then analyzed to measure the distribution of the labeled spray in the oropharynx, the lungs, the stomach, and the spacer with mask (Aerochamber) itself. RESULTS: Fifteen infants and children (mean age, 21 months (range, 3 months to 5 years); mean weight, 9.3 kg (range, 3.2 to 15 kg)) were studied. Mean aerosol deposition was 1.97% +/- 1.4% in the lungs, 1.28% +/- 0.77% in the oropharynx, and 1.11% +/- 2.4% in the stomach. The remainder was trapped in the spacer. Lung imaging after inhalation from an MDI via a spacer showed widespread deposition of the drug in central and peripheral intrapulmonary airways. In two adult volunteers the deposition after one puff of the same radiolabeled drug, inhaled from an MDI via a spacer with a mouthpiece, was 19% in the lungs and 2% in the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: Infants and toddlers with obstructive lung disease can be reliably and safely treated with inhaled medication administered with an MDI via a spacer with mask. The doses of a drug given from an MDI to infants and toddlers when a spacer with mask is used are not yet well defined but should be higher than the currently recommended doses, perhaps as much as an adult dose.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1999

Comparative efficacy and safety of albuterol sulfate Spiros inhaler and albuterol metered-dose inhaler in asthma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term efficacy and safety of albuterol administration using a Spiros Inhalation System (Dura Pharmaceuticals; San Diego, CA) dry powder inhaler (DPI) and albuterol (Ventolin; Glaxo Wellcome; Research Triangle Park, NC) administration using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in patients with asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a phase III, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of 283 adolescent and adult patients with mild to moderate asthma. The patients were randomized into one of three treatment groups: the Spiros group, who were given 108 microg/actuation of albuterol sulfate equivalent to 90 microg of albuterol base; the MDI group, who were given 90 microg/actuation of albuterol; and the placebo group. RESULTS: Over the length of the study, the Spiros and MDI groups were comparable in all FEV1 parameters. Both active treatment groups were superior to the placebo group for each FEV1 parameter at all visits. With the exception of differences at treatment week 0 for the maximum percent change in the FEV1, the duration of effect, and the area under the curve at baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the Spiros and MDI groups for any FEV1 parameters. Using a repeated-measures analysis, the FEV1 parameters at week 0 for the Spiros group were not statistically significantly different from the parameters at weeks 4, 8, and 12. The same analysis effect at week 0 for the MDI group was greater for maximum percent change in the FEV1 from baseline (weeks 4, 8, and 12) and duration of effect. Adverse events and changes in clinical laboratory values, vital signs, ECG results, and physical examinations were reported with similar incidence in each of the three treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Both active treatments were superior to the placebo treatment. The Spiros DPI was well tolerated and was as effective as the albuterol MDI in treating patients with moderate asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2001

A randomized, 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing formoterol dry powder inhaler with albuterol metered-dose inhaler.

BACKGROUND: Formoterol is a beta2-adrenergic agent which, when inhaled, produces rapid and long-lasting bronchodilatation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of formoterol powder for inhalation delivered via the Aerolizer device with placebo and with albuterol delivered via metered-dose inhaler in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma. METHODS: In a multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group study, 541 patients were randomized at 26 trial sites to receive either formoterol, 12 microg twice daily; formoterol, 24 microg twice daily; albuterol, 180 microg four times daily; or a placebo for 12 weeks. The effects of each treatment on lung function, asthma symptoms, and frequency of rescue albuterol use were evaluated. Adverse effects and clinical laboratory parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: The bronchodilatory effects of formoterol were rapid in onset and persisted for 12 hours. Both formoterol doses were more effective than placebo and albuterol for objective measures of lung function. Morning and evening peak expiratory flow rates were more improved with formoterol, and formoterol provided significantly greater improvements in asthma symptom scores compared with both albuterol and placebo. Overall, patients taking formoterol used significantly less rescue medication than did those taking albuterol or placebo. Nocturnal awakenings occurred less often with formoterol than with placebo or albuterol. The therapeutic effects of formoterol were maintained over the entire 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse events were similar for all treatment groups, and clinical laboratory data were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid-onset, long-acting formoterol, administered via the Aerolizer inhaler, is an effective and safe treatment for patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1995

Dry powder inhalers are bioequivalent to metered-dose inhalers. A study using a new urinary albuterol (salbutamol) assay technique.

Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are extensively used to deliver drugs to the lungs but are driven by chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants. The worldwide phasing out of CFCs within the next 5 to 10 years presents difficulties to the pharmaceutical industry. The mean +/- SD relative lung bioavailability of albuterol to the lung following inhalation of 400 micrograms of albuterol from an MDI, the Rotahaler and Diskhaler in 10 well-trained volunteers, was 2.83 (0.78), 1.72 (0.99), and 2.64 (1.23)%, respectively, expressed as a percentage of the nominal dose. The delivery of albuterol to the lungs from the MDI and Diskhaler was similar. In nine asthmatic subjects, the relative lung bioavailability of albuterol following inhalation with the MDI and Diskhaler was 1.19 (0.79) and 2.38 (1.46)%, respectively, expressed as a percentage of the nominal dose. There was no difference in reversibility 30 min after administration of the dose by the two methods. Similar lung deposition from the Diskhaler in volunteers probably is due to efficient MDI technique, which was absent in the asthmatic subjects. The Diskhaler does not rely on coordination during inhalation and therefore is easier to use.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Dose counting and the use of pressurized metered-dose inhalers: running on empty.

BACKGROUND: Pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) are the cornerstone of asthma treatment. The pMDI is an economic and portable medication delivery system, but the device does not indicate how much medicine remains in the canister once a patient starts using it. OBJECTIVE: To determine how patients evaluate the contents of their pMDI and whether they are either discarding inhalers when medication remains or using inhalers beyond the indicated number of doses. METHODS: This study was conducted in April 2003 via a 6.5-minute telephone interview with a random sample of 500 families with asthma from across the United States. RESULTS: Of the 500 respondents participating in the telephone interview, nearly one third (31.6%) named an inhaled corticosteroid or bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroid combination as the inhaler used when wheezing, coughing, or short of breath. Respondents using a bronchodilator (n = 342) varied in the frequency with which they use their pMDIs: 31.9% daily, 18.7% weekly, 23.4% monthly, and 23.1% less than once per month. More than half (53.8%) of bronchodilator users refill their prescriptions more frequently than recommended by national guidelines. Only 36% of bronchodilator users reported ever having been told to keep track of pMDI doses used. Of those, 79% had been advised to do so by a physician, 6% by a pharmacist, and 3% by a nurse. Eighty-seven (25%) of the 342 respondents who named a bronchodilator reported having found their pMDI empty during an asthma exacerbation. Seven of those patients had to call 911. Of these 87 patients, 71 (82%) considered their pMDI empty when absolutely nothing came out. CONCLUSIONS: Patients do not have a reliable means of monitoring the contents of their metered-dose inhalers, which is causing serious problems that need to be addressed. Given the necessity of a reliable dose counting method, it is clear that manufacturers should include dose counters as a standard feature of every metered-dose inhaler.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Patient perceptions of an inhaled asthma medication administered as an inhalation powder via the Diskus or as an inhalation aerosol via a metered-dose inhaler.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient preference, ease of use, and correctness of use of fluticasone propionate administered as inhalation powder via the Diskus (GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC) and as inhalation aerosol administered via metered-dose inhaler (MDI). METHODS: In 154 patients 12 years of age and older with asthma and a history of MDI use, the Diskus and the MDI were compared in a randomized, open-label, 7-week crossover study. RESULTS: In patients who had used both devices, more found the Diskus easier to use (59%) and preferred it overall (60%) compared with the MDI (P < or = 0.025). Ninety-eight percent (for the MDI) vs 91% (for the Diskus) of patients were able to correctly perform all the maneuvers necessary to use the devices correctly by either viewing a single demonstration and/or reading the instructions for use. Ninety-four percent of all patients found it easier to tell the number of residual doses with the Diskus (P < 0.001), and 59% of patients indicated that they would most likely request the Diskus from their physician (P = 0.025). Compliance was significantly better with the Diskus; 91.1% of patients used the Diskus as directed compared with 78.6% for the MDI (P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In patients exposed to both devices, the majority preferred the Diskus and found it easier to use compared with the MDI. Ninety-one percent of patients used the Diskus correctly with minimal training, and when given a choice, most indicated they would likely request the Diskus from their physicians. Together, these data indicate a significant level of acceptance of the Diskus device in this patient population.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2004

Systemic and pulmonary effects of fluticasone administered through a metered-dose inhaler in rats.

BACKGROUND: Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are convenient, simple, inexpensive, and reproducible devices for administering aerosolized drugs through the pulmonary route, but methods have not been available for use of these devices in small animals. OBJECTIVE: We sought to test the efficacy of delivery of fluticasone through an MDI to rats with a rodent-adapted spacer chamber and to compare this treatment with systemic dexamethasone for the acute pulmonary allergic inflammatory response. METHODS: Changes in body and thymus weights were used as indicators for systemic steroid effects. Rats were sensitized to ragweed pollen extract 2 weeks before the experiment, and pulmonary allergic responses were evaluated 48 hours after a single aerosolized antigen challenge on the basis of bronchoalveolar leukocytes, lung tissue sections, total lung capacity, and forced expiratory volumes. RESULTS: Inhaled fluticasone caused dose-related systemic effects, indicating successful pulmonary drug delivery. Inhaled fluticasone was more effective than placebo but less effective than systemic dexamethasone in attenuating the increase in lung eosinophils and inflammatory infiltrates and the decrease in total lung capacity associated with the allergic inflammatory response. Inhaled fluticasone prevented airway obstruction and proximal inflammation, as did dexamethasone, but it appeared to have less effect in areas of lung served by the most distal airways. CONCLUSION: This is an effective method for use of MDIs to deliver inhaled drugs to small laboratory animals, and it should be valuable for investigations of treatment effects, as well as for in vivo testing of delivery devices.

Androstadienes↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Pharmacodynamic study of procaterol hydrochloride dry powder inhaler: evaluation of pharmacodynamic equivalence between procaterol hydrochloride dry powder inhaler and procaterol hydrochloride metered-dose inhaler in asthma patients in a randomized, double-dummy, double-blind crossover manner.

Therapeutic equivalence between procaterol hydrochloride dry powder inhaler (Meptin DPI) and procaterol hydrochloride metered-dose inhaler (Meptin MDI), the currently marketed formulation, was assessed in 16 patients with bronchial asthma. The study was conducted in a randomized, double-dummy, double-blind crossover manner, using forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) as an index of bronchodilatory effect. In Period I, the patients received 20 mcg of either Meptin DPI or Meptin MDI, and then crossed over in Period II after a washout interval of 3--28 days. Pharmacodynamic equivalence was accessed using AUC (FEV1)/h and peak FEV1 as indices, and the data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Factors used for the analysis were the treatment group and/or carryover effect, patients within each group, period, and treatment. The 90% confidence intervals for the differences between the two treatments were --0.0995 to --0.0204 (L) for mean AUC (FEV1)/h and --0.102 to --0.022 (L) for mean peak FEV1, both within the acceptance criteria of --0.15 to 0.15 (L). Meptin DPI was therefore assessed as being equivalent to the current Meptin MDI.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed2001

Influence of respiratory spacer devices on aerodynamic particle size distribution and fine particle mass of beclomethasone from metered-dose inhalers.

Respiratory spacer devices are used mainly with pressurized metered dose inhalers, especially those containing corticosteroids, to assist with patient coordination and reduce oropharyngeal side effects. This investigation examines the influence of different spacer devices on the delivered fine particle mass (aerodynamic diameter of <3.3 microm and <4.7 microm) of the corticosteroid beclomethasone dipropionate, which approximates the respirable dose. The Anderson Mark II Cascade Impactor was used to characterise the deposition of single doses of beclomethasone dipropionate from several metered-dose inhalers. Following actuation of one single dose the amount of beclomethasone dipropionate deposited on each stage of the impactor was quantified using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet detection. The fine particle mass smaller than 4.7 microm for Respocort delivered by the Sanner and Fisonair spacer devices was 77.7% and 41.3% higher (p < 0.04), respectively, than the metered-dose inhaler alone, while the Breathatech spacer delivered 21.4% lower (p < 0.01). The fine particle mass of Becotide delivered by the Sanner, Fisonair, Nebuhaler, and Volumatic spacer devices were 81%, 42.4%, 46.9%, and 32.8% higher (p < 0.008), respectively, than be metered dose inhaler alone. The fine particle mass for Becloforte delivered by the Sanner, Fisonair, and Volumatic spacer devices was 82.8%, 36.9%, and 48.0% higher (p < 0.009) than that delivered by metered dose inhaler alone. This study suggests that there are significant differences in the fine particle mass of beclomethasone dipropionate delivered by respiratory spacer devices when used in conjunction with commercially available metered dose inhalers of this drug.

Aerosols↗