INHALER

A device for delivering an aerosolised medicine to the respiratory system of a patient.

Inhaler is a generic term for various types of devices which have in common that they are adapted to convert a solid or liquid pharmaceutical formulation into an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol is typically administered through the mouth, but sometimes also through the nose. While in most cases the delivery of the aerosolised medicine to the lung is intended, the actual deposition of the aerosol occurs at various sites of the respiratory system including the throat and the bronchi.

METERED-DOSE INHALER

An inhaler for dispensing a pressurised liquid formulation in metered quantities.

A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) essentially consists of a canister containing a liquid formulation including a propellant; a metering valve for emitting a metered quantity of the formulation with each actuation; and an actuator by which the patient operates the device.

DRY POWDER INHALER

An inhaler for dispensing a powder formulation.

A dry powder inhaler (DPI) typically contains its medication in already metered form, for example within capsules or other segregated reservoirs which are loaded into the device. Powder inhalers usually require a greater degree of skill to operate them correctly than other inhalers.

NEBULISER

An inhaler for dispensing a non-pressurised liquid formulation.

Various types of nebulisers using different aerosolisation methods are available, such as jet nebulisers, ultrasonic nebu-lisers, and vibrating-mesh nebulisers. Nebulisers are typically used to deliver larger volumes of liquid formulations which cannot be delivered with metered-dose inhalers, or for patients having difficulty using a powder inhaler or metered-dose inhaler.

Outcome

You are invited to comment the Classification or suggest new term to be defined. Perhaps you can use this article as initial point to define terms clearly used in your surroundings, in order to approve your quality standard.

Source

APV/ Drug Delivery Terminology