Mohammed-Nurul Momin
1, Atoosa Hedayati
1, Ali Nokhodchi
*1 Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Kent, England, UK
Abstract
Introduction: Dry
powder inhaler (DPI) formulations are so far being used for pulmonary
drug delivery, mainly for the treatment of asthma and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Currently most of DPI formulations
rely on lactose as a carrier in the drug powder blend. However, due to
reducing sugar function of lactose which makes it incompatible with some
drugs such as budesonide, it is realistic to investigate for
alternative sugars that would overcome the concerned drawback but still
have the positive aspects of lactose. Methods: The
study was conducted by characterizing carriers for their
physico-chemical properties and preparing drug/carrier blends with
concentration of 5% and 10% drug with the carrier. The mixing uniformity
(homogeneity) of Budesonide in the blends was analyzed using
spectrophotometer. The blend was then filled into NB7/2 Airmax inhaler
device and the deposition profiles of the drug were determined using
multi stage liquid impinger (MSLI) after aerosolization at 4 kPa via the
inhaler. The morphology of the carriers conducted using the scanning
electron microscope. Results: The
results determined that the mean fine particle fraction (FPF) of 5% and
10% blends of mannitol was 61%, possibly due to fine elongated
particles. Dextrose exhibited excellent flowability. Scanning electron
microscope illustrated mannitol with fine elongated particles and
dextrose presenting larger and coarse particles. It was found out that
type of carriers, particle size distribution, and morphology would
influence the FPF of budesonide. Conclusion: It
may be concluded that mannitol could be suitable as a carrier on the
basis of its pharmaceutical performance and successful achievement of
FPF whereas the more hygroscopic sugars such as sorbitol or xylitol
showed poor dispersibility leading to lower FPF.