Dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations predominately use lactose monohydrate as a carrier in the drug carrier blends. Research involving lactose as a carrier for dry powder inhalers (DPIs) represents poor flow properties and penetrates further into the peripheral airways. In addition lactose cannot be used for compounds that interact with the reducing sugar function of the lactose, such as peptides and proteins. Six carriers namely dextrose, lactose, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol and xylitol were investigated in the present study. The objective of the present work was to explore which carrier would be suitable for better delivery of salbutamol sulphate (SS) from dry powder inhaler. The study was conducted by characterising carriers for their physico-chemical properties and preparing drug/carrier blends with concentration of 5% and 10% drug with the carrier. The mixing uniformity (homogeneity) of the SS in the blends was analysed using spectrophotometer. The blend was then filled into NB7/2 Airmax inhaler device and the deposition profiles of the drug were determined using multi stage liquid impinger (MSLI) after aerosolisation at 4 KPa via the inhaler. The morphology of the carriers conducted using the scanning electron microscope. The results determined that the mean fine particle fraction (FPF) of 5% and 10% blends of dextrose was 48% and mean of 5% and 10% blends of mannitol provided 43%, possibly due to illustrating good flowability and a homogenous formulation. Dextrose exhibited excellent flowability and a homogenous blend. Scanning electron microscope illustrated mannitol with fine elongated particles and dextrose presenting larger and narrow particles. It may be concluded that dextrose could be suitable as a carrier on the basis of its pharmaceutical performance and successful achievement for FPF as a sugar carrier for inhaled drug delivery, as an alternative form to lactose.
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