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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↗

Lung deposition of fenoterol and flunisolide delivered using a novel device for inhaled medicines: comparison of RESPIMAT with conventional metered-dose inhalers with and without spacer devices.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare lung deposition of fenoterol or flunisolide administered from a novel, multidose inhalation device delivering liquid droplets (RESPIMAT; Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd; Bracknell, UK) or from conventional metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) with and without spacers. DESIGN: Two randomized, three-way crossover studies. SETTING: Clinical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy, nonsmoking volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: In one study, radiolabeled aerosols of fenoterol from the RESPIMAT device and from a conventional MDI with or without an Aerochamber spacer (Trudell Medical; London, Ontario Canada). In the second study, radiolabeled aerosols of flunisolide from a RESPIMAT device, from a RESPIMAT device modified by inclusion of a baffle/impactor in the mouthpiece, and from a conventional MDI with an Inhacort spacer (Boehringer Ingelheim; Ingelheim, Germany). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Assessment of the deposition of fenoterol or flunisolide in the lung and oropharynx using gamma scintigraphy. Safety was assessed based on reported adverse effects and spirometry (FEV1, FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate) to detect any paradoxical bronchoconstriction. The RESPIMAT device delivered significantly more fenoterol to the lungs than either an MDI alone or an MDI with Aerochamber (39.2% vs 11.0% and 9.9% of metered dose, respectively; p<0.01). Oropharyngeal deposition of fenoterol from the new device was lower than that from the MDI (37.1% vs 71.7%, respectively; p<0.01). The RESPIMAT device deposited significantly more flunisolide in the lungs compared with MDI plus spacer (44.6% vs 26.4%, respectively; p<0.01), while resulting in similar oropharyngeal deposition (26.2% vs 31.2%, respectively). Introduction of a baffle into the RESPIMAT system reduced lung deposition of flunisolide to 29.5%, and oropharyngeal deposition to 7.8% (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The RESPIMAT device may prove to be an effective alternative to MDIs for the administration of inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids. The high lung deposition and low oropharyngeal deposition may lead to improved efficacy and tolerability of inhaled medications, especially corticosteroids.

Adult↗

A bolus of inhaled budesonide rapidly reverses airway subsensitivity and beta2-adrenoceptor down-regulation after regular inhaled formoterol.

BACKGROUND: Subsensitivity of airway beta2-adrenoceptors develops readily in asthmatics receiving regular long-acting beta2-agonists. This subsensitivity may be rapidly reversed by using systemic corticosteroids. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the same acute facilitatory effects occur when using a bolus dose of inhaled corticosteroid. METHODS: Ten subjects with stable mild-to-moderate asthma, with a mean age of 27 years, mean (+/- SD) FEV1 of 2.95 L (0.94 L), 81% (15%) of predicted, all receiving inhaled corticosteroids, reactive to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) with a provocative concentration producing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20) < 200 mg/mL, were recruited into a randomized double-blind crossover study. The subjects received two separate 1-week treatment periods with formoterol dry powder, 24 microg bid, with an initial 1-week run-in and a 1-week washout period between the treatments. A single dose of placebo or budesonide turbuhaler, 1,600 microg, was taken in conjunction with the last dose of both treatment periods. AMP challenge was performed 2 h after the first and last dose of formoterol. Blood for lymphocyte beta2-adrenoceptor density (Bmax) was also measured before and after treatment with formoterol. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the geometric mean PC20 after the first dose of formoterol comparing the two treatment periods: 362 mg/mL vs 391 mg/mL. The PC20 after the last dose of formoterol was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in conjunction with budesonide than with placebo: 427 mg/mL vs 99 mg/mL, amounting to a 4.3-fold difference (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 16.6). For comparison within each treatment period, there was significant subsensitivity (p < 0.05) between the first and last dose of formoterol when the latter was given with placebo: 391 mg/mL vs 99 mg/mL, a 3.9-fold fall (95% CI, 1.0 to 15.2), but not when the latter was given with budesonide: 362 mg/mL vs 427 mg/mL, a 1.2-fold rise (95% CI, 0.5 to 2.8). Lymphocyte 02-adrenoceptor density (geometric mean Bmax: fmol/10(6) cells) also showed significant down-regulation (p < 0.05) by formoterol given with placebo: preformoterol 2.53 vs postformoterol 1.91, but not by formoterol given with budesonide: preformoterol 2.43 vs postformoterol 2.67. The Bmax was significantly higher (p < 0.05) with formoterol + budesonide as compared to formoterol + placebo, amounting to a 1.40-fold difference (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.80). CONCLUSION: We have shown that a bolus dose of inhaled budesonide rapidly reverses subsensitivity to AMP bronchoprotection and associated beta2-adrenoceptor down-regulation in asthmatics taking regular formoterol. Further studies are indicated to assess whether high-dose inhaled corticosteroids should be administered as soon as possible along with beta2-agonists during an acute episode of bronchoconstriction.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Systemic bioavailability and potency of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids: a comparison of four inhaler devices and three drugs in healthy adult volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the systemic bioavailability (assessed by cortisol suppression) of high-dose budesonide when given by four inhaler devices and orally. Also studied are the relative systemic potencies of three inhaled steroids (budesonide, fluticasone propionate, and beclomethasone dipropionate) when given by metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a large volume spacer. DESIGN: Double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen healthy, steroid-naive adult volunteers. METHODS: On separate occasions, each subjects took 4 mg of budesonide through the following devices: MDI alone, MDI with 750-mL. spacer, dry-powder inhaler and nebulizer; 4 mg of budesonide was also taken orally to assess the effects of GI absorption. For the drug comparison, each subject took 4 mg of budesonide, fluticasone, and beclomethasone, and 2 mg of budesonide and fluticasone by MDI and spacer. RESULTS: Greatest percent suppression (95% confidence interval) of 9:00 AM cortisol with budesonide was observed with MDI alone (73% [57 to 90]) and turbohaler (72% [58 to 86]) compared with MDI spacer (42% [22 to 64]) and oral administration (14% [+6- to -34]). Nebulized budesonide produced an insignificant rise in 9:00 AM cortisol level. The most suppressive drug (given by MDI spacer) was fluticasone at 4 mg (86% [82 to 91]) and at 2 mg (72% [59 to 85]). The least suppressive drug was budesonide at 4 mg (43% [22 to 64]) and at 2 mg (25% [3 to 47]). The effects of 4 mg of beclomethasone were intermediate (66% [49 to 82%]). CONCLUSIONS: The choice of delivery device for administration of budesonide can lead to important differences in systemic bioavailability. Fluticasone has greater systemic potency than budesonide or beclomethasone when given at microgram equivalent dosage. The systemic potency ratio of fluticasone propionate to budesonide in normal human volunteers in the present study is similar to the therapeutic potency ratio of the drug in asthmatic patients (approximately 2:1).

Administration, Oral↗

A study on the clinical equivalence and patient preference of fluticasone propionate 250 microg twice daily via the Diskus/Accuhaler inhaler or the Diskhaler inhaler in adult asthmatic patients.

The Diskus/Accuhaler inhaler (D/A) is a new multidose powder inhaler, designed to deliver all asthma drugs. This study was carried out to establish clinical equivalence between FP 250 microg twice daily (b.i.d.) via the D/A and FP 250 microg b.i.d. via the current powder inhaler, the Diskhaler (DH). Also, device handling and patient preference for both devices were determined. This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study. Adult asthmatics (364, aged 18-79) requiring inhaled corticosteroids in a daily dosage of 400 microg up to and including 1000 microg and demonstrating a mean morning peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) calculated from the last 7 days of the run-in of less than 85% of the response after salbutamol, a baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) between 50 and 90% of their predicted normal value, and an ability to correctly use both devices, were randomized to a 12-week treatment period. No statistically significant differences between the two devices were seen for mean morning PEFR (p = 0.76), mean evening PEFR (p = 0.88), median daytime and nighttime symptom score (p = 0.57 and p = 0.47), median percentage of rescue-free days and nights (p = 0.43 and p = 0.24), and clinic visit lung function. No differences in the safety profile of FP were seen. Patients found the D/A easier to use and easier with respect to assessing the number of doses remaining (both p < 0.001). Sixty-five percent of the patients expressed an overall preference for the D/A over the DH (p < 0.001). The results show that FP 250 microg b.i.d. via the D/A is clinically equivalent to delivery via the DH. Both treatments proved to be equally safe and were well tolerated. The D/A was easier to use and patients preferred the D/A over the DH.

Adolescent↗

Kinetics of inhaled 54MnCl2 aerosols: influence of inhaled concentration.

Lung clearance, tissue distribution and elimination of manganese was studied in male Long-Evans rats. Animals were exposed for 1 hr by nose only to 54MnCl2 in concentrations of 54MnCl2: 129 mg Mn/m3 and 2.93 micrograms Mn/m3. Activity of 54Mn in lung, brain, liver, kidney, stomach, large and small intestine, blood, urine and feces was determined on days 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, 28, 60 and 121. Inhaled 54MnCl2 was cleared from the lung of rates biexponentially; at the high concentration, the fast and the slow phases had half-times, of 0.2 and 10.5 days, respectively. At the low concentration, the rapid and the slow phases had half times of 1.8 and 12.7 days, respectively. Relative uptake into the brain was independent of inhaled concentration and did not exceed 1 percent of lung deposition on day 0. After the high concentration, liver and kidney Mn levels peaked immediately at the end of exposure and decreased rapidly during the first two days. After the low exposure, liver and kidney accumulation was maximal on day 2 and then organ levels decreased like those of the high exposure group. Relative Mn content in the GI tract was similar after high and low exposure, except for the large intestine where much higher levels were measured in the early phase after inhalation of the high concentration. These data show that concentration of inhaled Mn has a significant influence on its organ distribution and elimination rates.

Aerosols↗

A new multiple dose powder inhaler, (Turbuhaler), compared with a pressurized inhaler in a study of terbutaline in asthmatics.

Twelve adult asthmatic patients participated in an open, randomized, cross-over comparison between cumulatively increasing doses of terbutaline sulphate administered via the multiple dose powder inhaler (Turbuhaler) or via a pressurized inhaler. Turbuhaler and the pressurized inhaler showed equipotency both with respect to bronchodilatation and side effects. Both treatments produced a significant increase in pulmonary function measurements, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). No increase in pulse rate was seen with either treatment but there was an increase in tremor at higher doses with both treatments. Inhalation of beta-agonists via Turbuhaler seems to be an effective way of treating asthma.

Adult↗

In vivo responses to inhaled proteins. II. Induction of interstitial pneumonitis and enhancement of immune complex-mediated alveolitis by inhaled concanavalin A.

An animal model of environmental lung disease is described in which phytomitogen, antigen, or both, are administered in aerosol form to previously immunized or immunologically naive rabbits. Inhalation of concanavalin A alone induced an interstitial pneumonitis in nonimmunized rabbits. Inhalation of concanavalin A alone induced an interstitial pneumonitis in nonimmunized rabbits. Inhalation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) alone typically produced only focal eosinophilic granulomas in BSA-immunized animals, and no injury whatever in nonimmune animals. However, simultaneous administration of BSA-concanavalin A aerosol mixtures to BSA-immunized rabbits induced a severe interstitial pneumonitis and granulomatous vasculitis, together with areas of frank parenchymal necrosis. When repeated on a chronic basis over a 4- or 8-week interval, challenge with BSA-concanavalin A aerosols resulted in both acute necrotic lesions as well as areas of frank interstitial fibrosis. Necrotic foci in acutely injured lungs were associated with interstitial deposits of BSA, rabbit anti-BSA antibody, and complement. Electron microscopy revealed numerous neutrophils within the pulmonary interstitial spaces of these animals, often in association with collagen and elastin fibers. The pattern of injury in immune rabbits induced by antigen-concanavalin A aerosols, in its nonnecrotizing form, is consistent with that of an extrinsic allergic alveolitis. However, the severe, necrotizing form of acute injury closely resembles changes seen in Wegener's granulomatosis. Possible mechanisms of injury produced by antigen and phytomitogen inhalation are discussed.

Aerosols↗

Fenoterol inhalation powder as an alternative to treatment with the metered dose inhaler.

Nine adult asthmatics took part in a cumulative dose response comparison of fenoterol (Berotec) inhalation powder and fenoterol metered dose inhaler. The study was carried out as a double-blind investigation using a double-dummy technique. No significant difference was observed in the lung function, in tremor or pulse rate on comparison of the two modes of administration. It is concluded that fenoterol inhalation powder is an effective and freon-free alternative to the metered dose inhaler.

Adult↗

Oxytropium bromide in bronchial asthma: comparison of metered dose inhaler and powder inhalation of the anticholinergic bronchodilator oxytropium bromide in protection against acetylcholine and histamine provocation.

A marked protective effect of 0.2 mg oxytropium bromide (Ba 253), administered by inhalation, was observed against experimental provocation with a 3% acetylcholine solution. There is no difference between application by means of a metered dose inhaler or by means of powder inhalation. There is no marked protective effect of 0.2 mg oxytropium bromide administered by inhalation (aerosol or powder) against experimental provocation with a 0.3% histamine solution.

Acetylcholine↗

Formulation development of inhalation powders for FK888 using the E-haler to improve the inhalation performance at a high dose, and its absorption in healthy volunteers.

FK888 is a candidate selective NK1 receptor antagonist, and it exhibits poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract in healthy volunteers. In a previous study, the optimized dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation with carrier lactose using the Spinhaler was developed, although the maximum dose per capsule was only 5mg because the fine particle fraction (FPF) was reduced at doses over 5mg. The objective of this study was to develop an optimized DPI formulation for higher doses, such as 40 mg, with proportional systemic absorption. The Spinhaler and E-haler were used as the inhalation devices, and the in vitro deposition was evaluated using a multistage cascade impactor at different flow rates (28.3 and 60 l/min). When hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules were used as the container, and spherical soft agglomerates of fine FK888 particles (soft pellets) and the E-haler were used, the fraction of particles emitted from the inhalation system (Em) was significantly improved, to over 80% of the nominal dose, and no significant difference was found between the airflow rates (84.3+/-2.3% for 28.3 l/min, 88.1+/-3.6% for 60 l/min). It was also found that the E-haler was an extremely suitable device for obtaining the higher respirable particle percentage of emitted particles (RP) in the 40 mg formulation with the soft pellets contained in HPMC capsules (35.0+/-1.8% for 28.3 l/min and 42.5+/-3.5% for 60 l/min), compared with the Spinhaler (13.8+/-3.0% for 28.3 l/min and 28.9+/-1.0% for 60 l/min). Using the formulations with the E-haler, proportional systemic absorption was achieved up to 40 mg FK888 in healthy volunteers (62.91+/-27.58, 103.70+/-40.19 and 254.79+/-85.01 ngh/ml as AUCs for 10, 20 and 40 mg FK888, respectively; R(2)=0.9641). It is also expected that the E-haler will act as an efficient device when a higher dose, such as 40 mg, is required in clinical situations.

Absorption↗

Improvement of asthma control with a breath-actuated pressurised metred dose inhaler (BAI): a prescribing claims study of 5556 patients using a traditional pressurised metred dose inhaler (MDI) or a breath-actuated device.

A relationship has been reported between sub-optimal inhaler technique and control of asthma symptoms. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews may fail to accurately represent this relationship, by excluding patients who are unable to correctly use the reviewed devices. Breath actuated inhalers (BAIs) are reported to be easier to use than metered dose inhalers (MDIs). This study uses a large primary care medical record database (DIN-LINK) to examine the 'real-life' clinical effectiveness of a BAI vs. traditional MDIs. A comparison is made between the quantity of asthma-related medication (beta2 agonist, oral steroids and antibiotics) and healthcare resource use required by children (0-12 years) and adults (13+ years) using either the BAI or an MDI over a 12-month period. Out of 5556 new asthma patients who met the inclusion criteria, 306 used a BAI and 5250 used a traditional MDI. Children and adults using the BAI received fewer prescriptions for all three medication types than those using a traditional MDI (children: beta2 agonists -18% P=0.036, oral steroids -88% P<0.05, antibiotics -68% P<0.05 and adults: beta2 agonists -10.9% P=0.179, oral steroids -51.2% P<0.05, antibiotics -19.5% P=0.276). All prescription results reached statistical significance, with the exception of beta2 agonist and antibiotic prescription numbers for adult patients. Children and adults using the BAI required less GP consultations for asthma (children -30.3%, P<0.05 and adults -22.9%, P<0.05) and less GP consultations for respiratory infections than those using a traditional MDI (children -35.2%, P=0.001 and adults -10.4%, P=0.236). Adults using the BAI required less outpatient appointments than adults using an MDI (-43.7%, P=0.166). All non-prescription resource results reached statistical significance with the exception of GP consultations for respiratory infections and outpatient visits in the adult group. In conclusion, children and adults using the BAI appear to have better asthma control than children and adults using an MDI as evidenced by fewer relief medication prescriptions and less healthcare resource use.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Fenoterol delivery by Respimat soft mist inhaler versus CFC metered dose inhaler: cumulative dose-response study in asthma patients.

OBJECTIVES: Respimat (RMT) soft mist inhaler (SMI) is a novel, propellant-free alternative to chlorofluorocarbon metered-dose inhalers (CFC-MDIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and establish the equipotent dose of fenoterol delivered by RMT SMI vs. a conventional MDI. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, crossover, comparative study between fenoterol inhaled via RMT (either 50 microg/actuation, RMT50; or 100 microg/actuation. RMT100) and MDI (100 microg/actuation; MDI100). PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: A total of 41 asthma patients received cumulative doses of fenoterol 600 microg (RMT50) or 1200 microg (RMT100 and MDI100) on 3 test days. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The bronchodilator response (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) was considered therapeutically equivalent (i.e., noninferior) if the 95% confidence intervals for the difference in their mean changes from baseline were within limits of +/- 0.15L. Systemic exposure was evaluated from plasma fenoterol levels. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. RMT50 and RMT100 produced noninferior bronchodilatation to MDI100 from 30minutes after the first dose. RMT50 showed equivalent safety and tolerability to MDI100, whereas RMT100 produced a higher incidence of AEs, a significantly greater plasma potassium reduction and a significant increase in pulse rate. Fenoterol plasma levels were twice as high with RMT100 as with RMT50 or MDI100. CONCLUSIONS; The nominal dose of fenoterol administered via RMT SMI can be at least halved to achieve equivalent efficacy, safety, and tolerability to a MDI.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Comparing clinical features of the nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler, and dry powder inhaler.

Topically inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These medications are delivered via jet or ultrasonic nebulizer, metered-dose inhaler (MDI), or dry powder inhaler (DPI). While the number of devices may be confusing to patients and clinicians, each device has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Most clinical evidence shows that any of these devices will work for most situations, including exacerbations and in the stable outpatient setting. There is a high rate of errors in device use with all these devices, especially the MDI. In choosing a drug/device combination for a patient, the clinician must take into account several factors, including the cognitive and physical ability of the patient, ease of use, convenience, costs, and patient preferences. Clinicians should also have a rudimentary understanding of aerosol principles in order to be able to teach appropriate use of aerosol devices to their patients.

Administration, Inhalation↗

[Prostacyclin inhalation in pulmonary failure following smoke inhalation].

A 42 year-old man was admitted to hospital due to smoke inhalation. Thirty-three hours after admission arterial oxygen saturation was 80-90% with FiO2 = 1.0. Inhalation with prostacyclin was commenced with a dose rate of 7 ng/kg/min with an immediate effect, i.e. SATaO2 increased to 100%. Prostacyclin was terminated after 24 hours, when FiO2 was reduced to 0.5. It is concluded that prostacyclin inhalation therapy may have effect in patients following pulmonary smoke injury.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Quantitative morphometric analysis of pulmonary deposition of aerosol particles inhaled via intratracheal nebulization, intratracheal instillation or nose-only inhalation in rats.

The effectiveness of three techniques to deliver a diazo dye suspension into the lungs of rats was compared. The intratracheal nebulization (ITN) technique delivered 10 microl of the suspension per 5-ml puff of air in 10 puffs as an aerosol. The intratracheal fast instillation (ITFI) technique delivered 100 microl of the suspension in a single 2-ml puff of air as droplets. The nose-only inhalation (NI) technique aerosolized the suspension at an analytical concentration that provided a calculated dose equivalent to 100 microl of the suspension in a 2-h inhalation period. Immediately after dosing, all the rats were killed by exsanguination. The trachea was tied and the lung was inflated in situ with air. After fixation, 5-microm thick slices were prepared from each lobe of the lung at a plane perpendicular to the axis of the lobar bronchus at levels proximal, medial and distal to the hilus. The numbers of bronchi, bronchioli and alveolar ducts within four ranges of diameters and the proportion of each selected area of lung tissue with and without dye particles were quantified using electronic imaging analyzers. The results indicated that ITN and ITFI dispersed the particles evenly throughout most of the airways and in patches in the alveoli. The NI technique dispersed the particles homogeneously throughout the airways and the alveoli in the lungs. The mean number-percentage and the mean area-percentage data revealed that the doses delivered by ITN and NI were approximately 60% and 10%, respectively, of the ITFI dose. Thus, the ITFI technique appeared to be most suitable for pulmonary absorption and disposition studies where dosage precision is of primary concern. The ITN technique would need further improvement to meet the requirements for dose precision and particle distribution. For both ITFI and ITN, particle size was apparently not a critical determinant for deposition. The NI technique is suitable for inhalation toxicity studies where the pattern and uniformity of particle deposition is the primary concern.

Absorption↗

Effect of inhaled ciclesonide on airway responsiveness to inhaled AMP, the composition of induced sputum and exhaled nitric oxide in patients with mild asthma.

To assess the efficacy of ciclesonide, a novel corticosteroid pro-drug, we compared its effect on lung function, airway responsiveness to inhaled AMP, the composition of induced sputum, and the level of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) with the effect of budesonide in patients with asthma. Fifteen non-smoking steroid-naive patients (mean FEV(1), 94%pred) inhaled either 400 microg ciclesonide or 400 microg budesonide as a single morning dose for two weeks each separated by a > or =3 week wash-out period. The study was performed in a double-observer, randomized, cross-over design. FEV(1)increased significantly during treatment with budesonide (3.38 vs. 3.64 l P=0,003), but not after ciclesonide (3.60 vs. 3.69 l). PC(20)FEV(1)of AMP increased (P<0,001, each) after both budesonide (4.59 vs. 32.48 mg/ml, 2.8 doubling doses) and ciclesonide (3.92 vs. 20.00 mg/ml, 2.4 doubling doses). The percentage of sputum eosinophils was significantly reduced after ciclesonide (7.9 vs. 3.4% P=0.01), but not budesonide (6.0 vs. 4.3%). After both budesonide and ciclesonide, a significant (P<0.001) reduction in the level of exhaled NO occurred. In none of the parameters studied, the changes differed significantly between treatment with budesonide or ciclesonide. These data suggest that ciclesonide is equi-effective to budesonide with regard to its potency to reduce the airway responsiveness to inhaled AMP as well as airway inflammation in patients with mild asthma.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Kinetics of action of salbutamol inhaled from a metered dose inhaler (MDI) and a "Diskhaler".

In a double-blind cross-over study, 12 patients with reversible airways obstruction were treated with 200 micrograms salbutamol base in aerosol or 400 micrograms of powder following methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction. Salbutamol was inhaled either from a conventional metered dose inhaler (MDI) or from an inhaler (Diskhaler) utilizing the powdered form of the drug. The efficacy of both forms was identical whether assessed in terms of FEV1 or vital capacity. The ratio of the increase in FEV1 or vital capacity after bronchodilatation to the decrease during the prior bronchoconstriction was 1.4, indicating that both FEV1 and vital capacity improved over baseline following bronchodilatation. In six subjects, the onset of action of the powder form was more rapid, and in four the MDI acted more rapidly. In the group as a whole, the mean time constant for the action of salbutamol was identical (3.8 min) for the two forms. It is concluded that salbutamol powder has a similar efficacy and time course of action as the aerosol, probably because both formulations produce similar sized particles of the drug.

Administration, Inhalation↗