Controlled crystallization method for lactose useful in dry powder inhalation formulation

Abstract

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are replacing metered dose inhalers (MDIs) as the preferred drug delivery mode to the respiratory tract. The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in the formulation of MDIs are injurious to the environment depleting it of the ozone layer. Additionally, DPIs are easy to use, requiring no need to synchronize actuation and inhalation of emitted dose of drug. As our contribution to the evolving technology of DPI design and optimization, we report a simple method to produce low rugosity lactose crystals useful for the formulation of DPIs. The characterization and application of the modified lactose crystals in the formulation of DPIs containing salbutamol is reported.

Keywords: inhalation formulation, dry powder, controlled crystallization,  lactose