Diskhaler® inhalation device

The micron-sized drug particles are then nansported to the conducting airways of the lung, while the lactose particles impact the mouth and throat and are swallowed. One such product using this approach is Flovent Rotadisk (used in combination with the Diskhaler inhalation device), which is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline and delivers 50, 100, or 250pg of fluticasone propionate, blended with lactose. ... 

Zanamivir has a bioavailability of less than 5% when absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. It is administered using a breath-actuated inhaler device (Diskhaler)... 

ZANAMIVIR This drug is available as a powder blister for inhalation. The usual dose is 2 inhalations (one 5-mg blister per inhalation) administered with a Diskhaler device. The drug should be started within 2 days onset of flu symptoms. The drug is taken every 12 hours. 

The Diskhaler, also a multi-dose system, employs individual doses contained within blisters on a disk. On actuation, a needle pierces the upper and lower surfaces of one of the blisters. As the patient inhales, the contents of the blister are dispersed into the airstream, the dmg particles dissociate from the carrier and a fraction is delivered to the lung. On re-priming the device, the disk rotates to expose the next blister to the piercing needle. 

Dry powder inhalers. The drug is formulated as a micronised powder and placed in a device, e.g. a spinhaler or diskhaler, from which it is inhaled. Patients can often use these when they fail with metered dose aerosols. Inhalation of powder occasionally causes transient bronchoconstriction. 

Figure 9.47 Dispersion of Ventodisk or Becodisk contents by breath actuation a cross-section of a Diskhaler is shown with a disc located on the support wheel, (a) A disc is located beneath an aperture in the body of the Diskhaler through which a piercing needle enters, (b) The needle penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the blister, (c) The patient inhales through the device and pierced blister, entraining the blister contents into the airstream.

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