PubMed1998
In order to investigate the dispersion pattern and compare the effect of spacer devices (Volumatic, Volumatic Soft and InspirEase), the Becotide 100 inhaler actuating 100 micrograms of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) per shot was studied with respect to its distribution ratio in a twin impinger and also compared with that of the Becotide 50 inhaler. The distribution patterns of BDP during each stage of the twin impinger were not affected by the puff times of the Becotide 100 inhaler. No significant difference was observed when the distribution ratios between the Becotide 50 inhaler and Becotide 100 inhaler were compared. All of these three spacer devices reduced the deposition ratio in stage I which is assumed to be the oral cavity and oropharynx. As the puff times of the Becotide 100 inhaler increased, the BDP deposited in the spacer increased and that of stage II assumed to be the lung decreased. These results suggested that the inhalation volume of BDP would depend on the puff times during clinical use and the inhalation volume of BDP for the Becotide 100 inhaler would be double that of the Becotide 50 inhaler. The spacer devices could decrease the local adverse effects caused by deposited BDP in the oral cavity. When using large spacer devices, one or two puff times into the spacer would be recommended for the best clinical effectiveness. The Volumatic could be expected to produce a superior BDP inhalation volume by reducing the deposition in the oral cavity in the 3 spacer devices examined in this study.