No abstract

Although popular, the pressurized metered dose inhaler generates coarse, fast moving clouds so that the fraction reaching the lung is small. These shortcomings can be redressed by Modulite which permutes the following variables: the non-volatile components of a solution formula, the actuator orifice geometry, the volume of the metered solution and the vapour pressure of the propellants. This permits the design of aerosols with chosen particle size and plume speed. This facilitates co-ordination of dose generation with inspiration, reduces oropharyngeal deposition and provides a mechanism for targeting drug delivery to different parts of the lung. These principles are exemplified by designing an HFA-propelled beclometasone dipropionate product which closely matches existing products which use chlorofluorocarbons.

No abstract

Examination of the fracture of tablets in a strength test has revealed two types of failure. Where the interparticulate bond is strong, fracture occurs across the grains and the strength of tablet is a simple function of the particle size. If the interparticulate bond is weak, fracture occurs around the grain and particle size has little effect. A thin coating of stearic acid was used to weaken the interparticulate bond when the effect of grain size on strength disappeared or was reversed. The relation of bonding and capping is discussed and it is shown that capping can be reduced by weakening the interparticulate bond.