Delivery devices

In order to become useful dmg delivery devices, biodegradable polymers must be formable into desired shapes of appropriate size, have adequate dimensional stability and appropriate strength-loss characteristics, be completely biodegradable, and be sterilizahle (70). The polymers most often studied for biodegradable dmg delivery applications are carboxylic acid derivatives such as polyamides poly(a-hydroxy acids) such as poly(lactic acid) [26100-51-6] and poly(glycolic acid) [26124-68-5], cross-linked polyesters poly(orthoesters) poly anhydrides and poly(alkyl 2-cyanoacrylates). The relative stabiUty of hydrolytically labile linkages ia these polymers (70) is as follows ... 

P. Tyle, ed.. Drug Delivery Devices Fundamentals and Applications, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1988. 

An asthma inhaler is an example of a product that contains both a drug and a drug delivery device. Such a product would be regulated primarily as a drug as it achieves its medical purpose by pharmaceutical means. The inhaler would additionally have to satisfy the requirements of a device. 

Kumar, M. (2000). Nano and microparticles as controlled drug delivery devices. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 3, 2, (May-August 2000), pp. (234-258), ISSN 1482-1826... 

The high permeability of PCL and its copolymers coupled with a controllable induction period prior to polymer weight loss (vide infra) lends itself to the development of delivery devices that are based on diffusion-controlled delivery of the drug during the induction period prior to weight loss. The subsequent biodegradation of the polymer serves the purpose of eliminating the need to recover the spent device. 

Hendren, R. W., Reel, J. R., and Pitt, G. C., Measurement of drug release rates from sustained delivery devices in vivo. Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Controlled Release Society, Proc. 11th Int. Symp. Control. Rel. Bioact. Materials. 110-111, 1984. 

Choi, N. S., and Heller, J., Drug delivery devices manufactured from polyorthoesters and polyorthocarbonates, U.S. Patent 4,093,709, June 6, 1978. 

These results open the exciting possibility of using degradable, tyrosine-derived polymers as "custom-designed" antigen delivery devices. On the other hand, our results indicate that the immunological properties of tyrosine-derived polymers will have to be carefully evaluated before such polymers can be considered for use as drug delivery systems or medical implants. 

Improved characterization of the morphological/microstructural properties of porous solids, and the associated transport properties of fluids imbibed into these materials, is crucial to the development of new porous materials, such as ceramics. Of particular interest is the fabrication of so-called functionalized ceramics, which contain a pore structure tailored to a specific biomedical or industrial application (e.g., molecular filters, catalysts, gas storage cells, drug delivery devices, tissue scaffolds) [1-3]. Functionalization of ceramics can involve the use of graded or layered pore microstructure, morphology or chemical composition. 

Educate patients on the use of inhaled drug delivery devices, peak flow monitors, and asthma education plans. 

Patients must understand the role of long-term control and quick relief medications in their asthma treatment plan. The importance of understanding asthma as a chronic disease and the need for daily treatment with long-term control medications should be stressed. Additionally, the importance of proper use of medication delivery devices should be continually reinforced. Basic education should be provided over several visits with the health care provider. 

Because all inhaled corticosteroids are equally effective if given in equipotent doses, product selection should be individualized based on the available dosage form, delivery device, and patient preference. In infants, administration may require the use of a nebulizer or spacer/holding chamber with a facemask. Caregivers should use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the face of infants receiving an inhaled corticosteroid via a facemask to prevent topical candidiasis.18... 

Demonstrate the appropriate use of drug delivery devices and peak flow meters then have the patient perform these activities for you. If the task is performed incorrectly, demonstrate the skill again, emphasizing the incorrect step and have the patient re-demonstrate the skill. 

The factors governing lung deposition may be divided into those related to the physicochemical properties of the droplets or particles being delivered, the mechanical aspects of aerosol dispersion usually associated with the delivery device, and the physiological and anatomical considerations associated with the biology of the lungs. 

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