Breath actuated inhaler

Abstract

A breath actuated metered dose inhaler including a housing, a mouthpiece positioned at one end of the housing, and a mechanical release mechanism positioned at another end of the housing. The release mechanism is triggered by a diaphragm and the inhaler is configured such that the air inhalation pathway is unimpeded by the release mechanism.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 908,133, filed April 28, 2005, pending.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention is directed to a breath actuated pulmonary drug delivery device used in the delivery of fluid dispensations from a drug-containing canister. The delivery device provides a metered dose of drug or other therapeutic agent when the patient inhales from the device. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] There are a variety of inhalation devices which release aerosol medication, either in a continuous spray or in a predetermined amount of medication, commonly referred to as a metered dose. Most common in this category are “press and breathe”, canister in actuator, delivery systems (pMDIs or pressurized metered dose inhalers). In these devices, drug for multiple doses is stored under pressure in a canister fitted at one end with a metering valve and an associated discharge port or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] An additional feature of the invention, herein, is the inclusion of a record keeping means as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,544,647 and 5,622,163, which are commonly assigned and the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. An electronic event counter provides the patient with a numerical indication of puffs remaining in the canister as well as the number of puffs taken in a sequence to obtain a prescribed dose. This information display assures that the patient can be kept aware of depletion of medication in time to refill their prescription. This breath-actuated inhaler overcomes deficiencies apparent in earlier mechanical and pneumatic devices while adding additional user benefits. A breath-actuated metered dose inhaler according to the invention is housed within a structure in a form to comfortably fit in the hand of the user. Said housing includes a mouthpiece positioned at one end and a mechanical release mechanism at another end. A diaphragm in the inhalation air passageway triggers the release mechanism. Inclusion of an event counter and a vortex drug delivery nozzle are facilitated by the design of the structure.

Problems solved by technology

If this actuation is not correctly coordinated with the inspiratory phase, the metered dose may be deposited differently with each actuation and potentially compromise the therapeutics and safety of the product.

There are numerous factors leading to poor coordination of actuation of the spray and the inspiration cycle.

Included in those factors are poor training, the inherent limitations of the users (if any), such as impaired physical abilities of geriatric patients or the as-yet-undeveloped skills of children, or their inability of either group to comprehend the correct way to use the device.

Both commercially available devices, however, rely on either pneumatic or mechanical functions that generally limit their utility.

Further, they do not incorporate added features of importance to patients, i.e. low spray velocity and indication of number of drug doses or “puffs” remaining after each use.

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