NEBULIZED DRUG DELIVERY: AN OVERVIEW

Inhaled Pharmacological therapy is key to treatments for patients with asthma and COPD. People who suffered from COPD died every year in low- and middle-income countries. The primary reason for COPD is tobacco smoking or second-hand smoke. Another risk factor is air pollution, dust, and fumes. Current guidelines endorsed inhaled pharmacology therapy as the favorable route of administration for treating COPD. Bronchodilators (β₂ agonists and antimuscarinics) are the anchor of the pharmacology therapy in patients with COPD, with long-acting approved for patients with ordinary to serious symptoms or those who are at higher risk for COPD aggravations. Dry powder inhaler (DPI) pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) is the frequently used drug delivery devices, but they may be sparse in various clinical scenarios. There are a lot of drugs become available in solutions; suspensions form to treat patients suffered from COPD with nebulized drug delivery, which supplies benefits similar to drugs delivered by the conventional delivery system and better quality of life. A successful pulmonary administration requires a harmonic interaction between the drug formulation, the inhaler device, and the patient. However, the biggest major problem for lack of desired effect or adverse outcomes is the improper use of the inhaler device due to lack of training in how to use the device or how to coordinate actuation and inhalation. This review describes the operational and mechanical features of nebulizer delivery devices concerning mechanisms of aerosol generation, their use with different formulations, and their advantages and limitations.