Nasal drug delivery devices

Nasal drug delivery devices can be divided into multidose and unit-dose/bi-dose systems. Multidose systems consist of a container mounted with a mechanical pump dispenser that is designed to deliver multiple doses from one container (Fig. 1). The various requirements of the customer and of the formulation are respected in the design and performance of the delivery systems. Unit-dose and bi-dose systems are becoming increasingly attractive to the pharmaceutical industry. In particular, therapies that require precise performance in their delivery system employ these single/ dual-use disposable systems. 

Williams, G. 1998. Nasal drug delivery devices, performance and regulatory requirements—The manufacturer s view. London Management Forum. 

DirectHaler The DirectHaler (Direct-Haler A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark) nasal delivery device takes advantage of the nasal anatomy and an innovation in device technology in order to improve nasal drug delivery and patient compliance. Similar... 

Constraints on nasal delivery include a restricted capacity (i.e., the volume of formulation that can be delivered is limited), attainment of dose accuracy, and the reproducibility of delivery. The distribution of drug in the nasal cavity is highly dependent on the delivery device, formulation, and administration technique. In turn, the distribution of drug will affect permeability, residence time, and metabolism in the nasal cavity. 

Both the type of drug delivery system and the specific type of delivery device can affect drug absorption via the nasal route. The choice of delivery system depends mainly on the physiochemical properties of the drug, its desired site of action, and, more importantly, patient compliance and marketing aspects. The formulations most commonly used in nasal delivery are solutions, suspensions, gels, dry powders, and, most recently, nanoparticulate formulations. 

The type of nasal device employed in delivering a drug formulation plays a major role in the efficacy of the treatment. In general, two types of delivery systems are used mechanical pumps and pressurized aerosol containers. The properties of the drug to be used influence the selection of the system. The various types of delivery devices are described in the following sections. 

---