Effect of a spacer on total systemic and lung bioavailability in healthy volunteers and in vitro performance of the Symbicort (R) (budesonide/formoterol) pressurized metered dose inhaler

摘要

Introduction: Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma experience difficulties in coordinating inhalation with pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) actuation. The use of a spacer device can improve drug delivery in these patients. The aim of this study was to establish the relative bioavailability of single doses of Symbicort (R) (budesonide/formoterol) pMDI 160/4.5 mu g/actuation (2 actuations) used with and without a spacer device. In addition, an in vitro study was conducted to characterize performance of the inhaler when used in conjunction with a spacer device.