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In-vitro aerodynamic particle size distribution of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® at 28.3 L/min and 60 L/min inhalation flows

by Mohammed Almeziny 1,* orcid ,  Brian Clark 2  and  Chrystyn Henry 3
1
Consultant Clinical Pharmacist, Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh, KSA
2
Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation, School of Pharmacy, University of Bradford, UK
3
Inhalation Consultancy Ltd, Leeds, UK
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
IJCMR  2025 3(3):56; https://doi.org/10.61466/ijcmr3030001
Received: 1 March 2025 / Accepted: 16 April 2025 / Published Online: 18 April 2025
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Abstract

Background

The study investigates the in-vitro aerodynamic particle size distribution of Symbicort® Turbuhaler®, a dry powder inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol, at different inhalation flows.

Methods

The primary objective was to assess the effect of inhalation flow on drug delivery by analyzing the fine particle dose (FPD) and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) using an Andersen Cascade Impactor at 28.3 L/min and 60 L/min inhalation flows.

Results

The results reveal a statistically significant impact of inhalation flow on drug deposition (p<0.05). A higher inhalation flow (60 L/min) led to an increase in FPD, a decrease in MMAD, and a higher fine particle fraction (FPF), indicating improved lung deposition. Additionally, throat deposition decreased with increasing flows, suggesting better de-aggregation and dispersion of drug particles. Despite these changes, the ratio of budesonide (R and S epimers) to formoterol remained constant, ensuring consistent pharmacological efficacy.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of flow considerations in dry powder inhaler performance and suggest that higher inspiratory flows may enhance drug delivery efficiency. This study supports the need for variable flow testing in pharmacopoeial standards to optimize inhaler design and ensure effective drug administration for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Keywords: in-vitro; aerodynamic particle size distribution; Symbicort; Turbuhaler; inhalation flows;
Copyright: © 2025 by Almeziny, Clark and Henry. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

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ACS Style
Almeziny, M.; Clark, B.; Henry, C. In-vitro aerodynamic particle size distribution of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® at 28.3 L/min and 60 L/min inhalation flows. International Journal of Clinical Medical Research, 2025, 3, 56. doi:10.61466/ijcmr3030001
AMA Style
Almeziny M, Clark B, Henry C. In-vitro aerodynamic particle size distribution of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® at 28.3 L/min and 60 L/min inhalation flows. International Journal of Clinical Medical Research; 2025, 3(3):56. doi:10.61466/ijcmr3030001
Chicago/Turabian Style
Almeziny, Mohammed; Clark, Brian; Henry, Chrystyn 2025. "In-vitro aerodynamic particle size distribution of Symbicort® Turbuhaler® at 28.3 L/min and 60 L/min inhalation flows" International Journal of Clinical Medical Research 3, no.3:56. doi:10.61466/ijcmr3030001

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