Mesh nebulizers have become the first choice for new nebulized pharmaceutical drug developments.

In the 24 years since first being marketed, the mesh nebulizer has been developed by five main manufacturers into a viable solution for the delivery of high-value nebulized drugs. Mesh nebulizers provide increased portability, convenience and energy efficiency along with similar lung deposition and increased ease of use compared with jet nebulizers. An analysis of EU and US clinical trial databases has shown that mesh nebulizers are now preferred over jet nebulizers for clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.

Delay Between Shaking and Actuation of a Hydrofluoroalkane Fluticasone Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhaler.

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids are used to treat pediatric asthma. The shaking of a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) is required to ensure consistency of emitted dose. Delays between shaking and actuating the pMDI are frequent during administration of aerosols to children where a valved holding chamber is used.

Variability in delivered dose and respirable delivered dose from nebulizers: are current regulatory testing guidelines sufficient to produce meaningful information?

Background: To improve convenience to patients, there have been advances in the operation of nebulizers, resulting in fast treatment times and less drug lost to the environment. However, limited attention has been paid to the effects of these developments on the delivered dose (DD) and respirable delivered dose (RDD). Published pharmacopoeia and ISO testing guidelines for adult-use testing utilize a single breathing pattern, which may not be sufficient to enable effective comparisons between the devices.