Epinephrine dosage forms

Chlorobutanol is primarily used in ophthalmic or parenteral dosage forms as an antimicrobial preservative at concentrations up to 0.5% w/v see Section 10. It is commonly used as an antibacterial agent for epinephrine solutions, posterior pituitary extract solutions, and ophthalmic preparations intended for the treatment of miosis. It is especially useful as an antibacterial agent in nonaqueous formulations. Chlorobutanol is also used as a preservative in cosmetics [see Section 16) as a plasticizer for cellulose esters and ethers and has been used therapeutically as a mild sedative and local analgesic. 

Many therapeutically active ingredients are administered or applied to the body by means of the aerosol dosage form, including agents such as epinephrine, isoproterenol, antibiotics, antiseptics, steroids, and ergotamine. Oral aerosols have been used for the symptomatic treatment of asthma as well as for the treatment of migraine headaches, whereas topical aerosols find use in numerous dermatological manifestations. 

When used therapeutically, intravenous injection or infusion is the most common route of administration. Epinephrine is available in nebulized racemic dosage form for inhalation. 

The metered-dose aerosol inhaler is not only a most convenient system for the delivery of therapeutically active drugs but it has proven to be a life-saving device for many asthmatics. This system has made it possible for millions of asthma sufferers to lead normal lives. The convenience of self-administering a dose of drug accurately and quickly has made the metered-dose aerosol the dosage form of choice for the delivery of drugs to the respiratory system. From epinephrine to albuterol, from triamcinolone to flunisolide, from proteins and peptides to hormones, this dosage form has proven its value. 

Sciarra JJ, Patel JM, Kapoor AL. Synthetics and formulation of several epinephrine salts as an aerosl dosage form. J Pharm Sci 61(2) 219-223, 1972. 

---