Advises on the appropriate use of certain drug delivery devices that are offered by health professionals such as doctors, pharmacists or nurses to patients.
Purpose:
- Ensure the effectiveness of drug delivery
- Control complications that arise due to inappropriate usage techniques of such devices
- Improve patients' compliance
* Drug delivery devices are commonly used in asthmatic patients ( inhalers) and diabetic patients (insulin delivery devices).
Asthma.
Definition:
A respiratory disorder that is characterized by:
- Constriction of the airways
- Inflammation of the airways
- Excessive mucus lining in the airways
Asthma is often caused by certain triggers such as:
- Environmental ( smoke and dusts )
- Emotional stress
- Pet dander
- Cold, warm or moist air
- Perfumes
- Exercise or exertions
This triggering factors would result in difficulty breathing. Other related symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Dyspnea ( shortness of breath )
- Stridor
- Tightness and itching of the chest
- Inability for physical exertions
There are three main types of medications used for asthmatic patients, mainly:
- B-2 agonists ( salbutamol, terbutaline, formoterol and bambuterol ), either short-acting or long-acting agonists
- Corticosteroids ( beclomethasone )
- Anticholinergics ( ipratropium bromide )
Drug Delivery Devices For Asthmatic Patients.
1. Pressurized Aerosol Inhaler ( Metered Dose Inhaler - MDI )
1. Pressurized Aerosol Inhaler ( Metered Dose Inhaler - MDI )
Pressurized aerosol inhalers, or referred to as inhalers, are the most common drug delivery device used in the treatment of asthma. The inhaler consists of three different parts, as shown by figure 1. In the canister, the liquid medication is pressurized under high pressure. When used correctly, inhalers may be the most effective and cheapest treatment available for asthmatic patients.
Instructions for use:
- Load the canister into the mouthpiece
- Remove the dustcap
- Shake the inhaler vigorously
- Hold the inhaler about 2 fingers widths in front of your mouth
- Exhale fully and completely through pursed lips
- Inhale slowly and deeply through an open mouth while pressing down the canister
- Close your mouth and hold your breath about 5 to 10 seconds
- Exhale slowly through pursed lips
- Wait for one minute to allow the medication to exert its actions
- Repeat puffs ( doses ) as ordered
- Rinse and gargle when you are finished ( to prevent hoarseness and infections in the mouth )
- Weekly, clean the inhaler's mouthpiece at least once daily by washing it with warm soapy water
- Rinse the mouthpiece and dry well
2. Pressurized Aerosol Inhaler + Spacer
When pressurized aerosol inhalers are prescribed for children, infants or elders, spacers are usually given. A spacer is an extension, attached to the mouthpiece, that functions to hold the squirted medication until the patient is ready to breath out of it.
When pressurized aerosol inhalers are prescribed for children, infants or elders, spacers are usually given. A spacer is an extension, attached to the mouthpiece, that functions to hold the squirted medication until the patient is ready to breath out of it.
In the next post, we will look forward on nebulizers, and different types of dry powder inhalers.
