European journal of clinical pharmacology
-
Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Jan 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRelative lung and total systemic bioavailability following inhalation from a metered dose inhaler compared with a metered dose inhaler attached to a large volume plastic spacer and a jet nebuliser.
To compare the lung and systemic delivery of salbutamol following inhalation from a metered dose inhaler (MDI), a MDI attached to a spacer (MDI+SP) and a nebuliser (NEB) using a urinary pharmacokinetic method. ⋯ Five 100-microg doses inhaled from a metered dose inhaler attached to a spacer delivered more to the lungs and less to the systemic circulation than either the same doses from a metered dose inhaler used alone or five times the dose given via a jet nebuliser. Spacers should be routinely used instead of nebulisers to manage patients unless they are short of breath.