D. Marta *, G. Bistriceanu *, St. Dutu *, R. Stoicescu *, Fl. Mihaltan *, C. Marica *, D. Capitanu *, M. Popa **
* D. Marta, G. Bistriceanu, St. Dutu, P. Stoicescu, Fl. Mihaltan, C. Marica, D. Capitanu – Institutul Naţional de Pneumoftiziologie „Marius Nasta”
** M. Popa – Orion-Pharma, Finlanda
Abstract
The bronchodilating effect of a single dose (100 mcg) of Salbutamol delivered via a multidose powder inhaler (MDPI-Easyhaler®, Orion-Pharma, Finland) was compared with that inhaled from a conventional metered dose inhaler (MDI); the patient’s acceptability for MDPI was also evaluated. 30 patients with chronic airways obstruction (asthma and COPD) showing an improvement in FEV 1,0 of at least 15% after a sympathomimetic bronchodilator, Were included in the randomized study. Pulmonary function tests (FEV 1,0; peak expiratory flow rate – PEF and maximum expiratory flow at 50%VC-MEF 50) were performed in two different days, at the same hour, in the morning immediately before and 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes after the inhalation of the drug. Criteria used to assess the efficacy of Salbutamol delivered via MDPI versus MDI: 1) the maximum change in FEV 10, PEF, MEF 50 (in % baseline); 2) the maximum FEV 1,0, PEF, MEF 50 (% predicted); 3) the area under the curve of FEV 1,0 (plotted values from 0 to 4 hours); 4) the time needed to reach the maximum value of FEV 1,0, PEF, MEF 50 (in min.). In conclusion the MDPI may substitute successfully the MDI.