Inspiratory flow rates and volumes with the Aerolizer dry powder inhaler in asthmatic children and adults

OBJECTIVE: To assess the peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) and forced inspiratory vital capacity (FIVC) through the formoterol (Foradil*) Aerolizer* in patients with mild, moderate and severe asthma. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: PIFR and FIVC were assessed in 33 adults and 32 children using a spirometer alone (baseline), a spirometer with an adaptor, and a spirometer with an adaptor and the Aerolizer inhaler (placebo loaded). RESULTS: Of adult patients using the Aerolizer inhaler, 73% had PIFR values of >100 l/min and 91% had values of >60 l/min. PIFR in adults was reduced from a mean baseline of 283 l/min to 118 l/min through the loaded Aerolizer inhaler. Similarly, 75% of children using the Aerolizer inhaler had PIFR values >80 l/min and 91% had values of > 60 l/min. The mean PIFR in children was reduced from a baseline of 154 l/min to 100 l/min through the loaded Aerolizer inhaler. Only small mean decreases from baseline were observed in FIVC through the loaded Aerolizer inhaler: 8.4% in adults and 3.8% in children. FIVC values of > 2.0 litre were achieved in 82% of adults, and 81% of children achieved FIVC values of >1.5 litre. CONCLUSIONS: This study, albeit in a relatively small patient population, suggests that most children and adults with asthma can generate PIFRs of > 60 l/min and FIVCs of > 1.5 litre through the Aerolizer inhaler regardless of their disease severity. Such findings compare extremely favourably with other dry powder inhalers.