Abstract: A system for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound, which system includes a dry powder inhaler device containing a powder containing the pharmaceutically active compound, wherein (a) of the powder particles dispensed by the inhaler device (the “metered DPI dose”), at least 40% are less than about 10 microns in diameter at the point the particles exit the inhaler, (b) the metered DPI dose is sufficient to produce a clinically effective result in a patient; and (c) the amount of the compound in the metered DPI dose is not more than 70% of the minimal amount of the compound which, when dispensed in a pressurized metered dose inhaler, produces an equivalent clinically effective result in the same patient.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound, which system includes a dry powder inhaler device containing a powder containing the pharmaceutically active compound, wherein (a) of the powder particles dispensed by the inhaler device (the “metered DPI dose”), at least 40% are less than about 10 microns in diameter at the point the particles exit the inhaler, (b) the metered DPI dose is sufficient to produce a clinically effective result in a patient; and (c) the amount of the compound in the metered DPI dose is not more than 70% of the minimal amount of the compound which, when dispensed in a pressurized metered dose inhaler, produces an equivalent clinically effective result in the same patient.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound, which system includes a dry powder inhaler device containing a powder containing the pharmaceutically active compound, wherein(a) of the powder particles dispensed by the inhaler device (the "metered DPI dose"), at least 40% are less than about 10 microns in diameter at the point the particles exit the inhaler,(b) the metered DPI dose is sufficient to produce a clinically effective result in a patient; and(c) the amount of the compound in the metered DPI dose is not more than 70% of the minimal amount of the compound which, when dispensed in a pressurized metered dose inhaler, produces an equivalent clinically effective result in the same patient.

Abstract: There are described finely divided particles of a pharmaceutical substance, wherein the substance when submitted to water vapor gives off heat of less than 1.2 Joules per gram, processes for their production and pharmaceutical formulations containing them.

Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing a clinically effective dose of an inhalable, pharmaceutically active compound. The method includes providing a dry powder inhaler containing a powder including the pharmaceutically active compound, and administering to a patient a dose of the compound that is less than 70% of the dose that would be necessary to obtain a physiologically equivalent result were the compound administered by a pressurized metered dose inhaler. The pharmaceutically active compound is in the form of primary particles at least 80% of which have a particle size of less than 10 microns, and the primary particles are provided as agglomerates which are deagglomerated during inhalation so that at least 40% of the dose administered is in the form of primary particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing a stable crystallinic form to a fine-grained substance or a substance mixture, which can be produced, stored and used while maintaining the aerodynamic properties required for inhalation of such a substance or a substance mixture, bya) in case of a substance mixture, preparing a homogenous mixture of the substances;b) micronizing, direct precipitating or diminishing by any conventional method the substance or substance mixture into a particle size required for inhalation, the particle size being less than 10 .mu.m;c) optionally preparing a homogenous mixture of the desired substances when each substance has been introduced from stage b) as separate fine-grained particles;d) conditioning said substance or substance mixture by treatment with a water containing vapour phase in a controlled fashion; ande) drying.

Abstract: A process for providing water-soluble micronized pharmaceutically acceptable inhalable substances, which can be produced, stored and used while maintaining the aerodynamic properties required for inhalation of the pharmaceutically acceptable substances. This process is carried out by the steps of reducing, if necessary, the residual water from the micronized substance by drying at an elevated temperature and/or vacuum; conditioning the dried, micronized pharmaceutically acceptable inhalable substances with a solvent; and eliminating residual solvent by storing under dry conditions as, e.g., in a vacuum or by purging with a dry, inert gas.

Abstract: A dosage inhalator is provided for dispensing to a patient a pharmacologically active compound suspended in a fluid. The dosage inhalator includes a carrier having portions for carrying, by intermittent movement, predetermined and reproducible unit doses of the active compound to a conduit through which it is delivered; a maneuverer for actuating the intermittent movement of the carrier, the maneuverer being movable between first and second predetermined positions by a user of the inhalator; and a member for disrupting the movement of the maneuverer upon exhaustion of the active compound in the storage means. The carrier is actuated by a ratchet mechanism including a spring-biased pawl, the maneuverer includes a lever that is reciprocally displaceable between two distinct positions, and the movement of the ratchet mechanism is limited by the displacement of the lever.