Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler Performance

Kohler D, Pavia D, Dewberry H, Hodder R. Low incidence of paradoxical bronchoconstriction with bronchodilator drugs administered by Respimat Soft Mist inhaler:results from phase II single-dose crossover studies. Respiration 2004; 71: 469-476.

This paper compares the incidence of paradocical bronchonconstriction when administering bronchodilator drugs via Respimat® SMI of a CFC-MDI in asthma and COPD patients. Pooled data from 9 phase II studies show a low incidence of adverse events indicative for paradoxical bronchoconstriction in patients using Respimat SMI and similar in nature to that seen when administering drugs to patients from pMDIs.

Schuermann W. Schmidtmann S., Moroni P, Massey D, Qidan M. Respimat Soft Mist Inhaler versus hydrofluroalkane medered dose inhaler: patient preference and satisfaction. Treatm. Respir. Med. 2005; 4: 53-61

This study describes patients' experience regarding handling, satisfaction and preference of Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler over pMDIs. The overall satisfaction for Respimat® SMI was extremely high. This resulted in a clear preference of Respimat® over the pMDIs.

Newman SP. Use of gamma scintigraphy to evaluate the performance of new inhalers. J Aerosol Med 1999; 12(Suppl 1): S25-S31.

A review of four studies quantifying the amount of drug deposited in the lung with Respimat® SMI versus pMDI, with and without a spacer device, using gamma scintigraphy. Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler more than doubles deposition in the lungs compared with a pMDI and reduces oropharyngeal deposition.

Latham D. Spraying it green. Pharmaceutical Visions 1998; Spring: 23-27.

An article discussing the switch from CFC to CFC-free inhalers from the perspective of the companies that were affected most by the regulations of the Montreal Protocol.

K.R. Chapman*, et al. Inhaler choice in primary practice. Eur Respir Rev 2005; 14: 96, 117–122

A broad range of inhaler devices is available for physicians to prescribe. Although newer devices are often easier to use than conventional pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), many patients still use inhalers sub-optimally. Physicians must become familiar with the characteristics of several inhalers and choose the device that their patients can use correctly and beneficially if they are to prescribe successfully to those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The selection of a device may also be influenced by patient comorbidities and by their ability to handle and inhale correctly from the device. A further challenge in the COPD setting is measuring the desired treatment outcome.

Dolovich M. New propellant-free technologies under investigation. J Aerosol Med 1999; 12(Suppl 1): S9-S17.

A review of the propellant-free technologies under investigation for the delivery of aerosolized solutions- (adaptive aerosol delivery devices, metered dose liquid inhalers including Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler, and breath-actuated nebulizers) and dry powders (single capsule, bulk reservoir, or multidose devices) to the lung.

Hochrainer D, et al. Comparison of cloud velocities delivered from Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler or MDIs. J Aerosol Med 2001; 14: 386 (Abstract P1-5).

A comparison of the cloud velocities and durations from Respimat® Soft Mist™ Inhaler with those from various MDIs, using a video camera. Respimat® SMI produced a Soft Mist™, which was considerably slower and more prolonged than the clouds produced by MDIs. The Soft Mist™ improved lung deposition and reduced oropharyngeal deposition.

Wachtel H, et al. Improved assessment of inhaler device performance using laser diffraction. Respiratory Drug Delivery VIII 2002, 379-381.

A study investigating a new method - laser diffraction - of measuring particle size distribution of aqueous formulations released from Respimat® SMI (a routine task during the development of new formulations and devices). Laser diffraction and impactor (the GOLD standard method) correlated well, supporting the use of laser diffraction from many routine investigations, since it offers substantial time savings.