Abstract: A method of making a pharmaceutically active ingredient abuse-prevention device includes providing a pharmaceutically active ingredient and providing an antagonist of the pharmaceutically active ingredient. The antagonist is in selective fluid communication with the pharmaceutically active ingredient. Electronic circuitry is configured to selectively operate the fluid communication between the antagonist and the pharmaceutically active ingredient so as to mix the pharmaceutically active ingredient with the antagonist upon recognition of one or more predetermined fault conditions. Mixing the pharmaceutically active ingredient with the antagonist renders the pharmaceutically active ingredient substantially ineffective.

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering drug by inhalation, comprising: a housing for receiving a canister which comprises a body which includes a base and a head and defines a chamber for containing drug, and a valve stem which extends from the body and from which drug is in use delivered on actuation of the canister; an outlet through which a user in use inhales; and a nozzle which provides for delivery of drug through the outlet; wherein at least a rear section of the outlet has an increasing internal dimension in a direction away from the nozzle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a human-powered dry powder inhaler comprises a human-powered compressible component operable to discharge an air pulse at an outlet at a pressure of about 1-40 psi; an inflatable reservoir operable to receive an air pulse discharged from the human-powered compressible component to provide an aerosol of a dry powder pharmaceutical formulation in the reservoir, the reservoir including an outlet valve; and a receiving mask in communication with the outlet valve and operable to receive an aerosol of dry powder from the reservoir and to deliver the aerosol to at least a mouth or nose of a patient. In another embodiment, the inhaler comprises a human-powered compressible component operable to discharge an air pulse at an outlet of a polymeric pressure release valve at a pressure of about 1-40 psi; and a receiving mask in communication with the outlet of the compressible component and operable to deliver an aerosol of dry powder to at least a mouth or nose of a patient.

Abstract: Inhaler systems and method of use thereof are disclosed. One exemplary inhaler system, among others, includes an inhalation/exhalation structure including an inhalation/exhalation orifice. In addition, the inhaler system includes a medicament supply system having a medicament ejector disposed adjacent the inhalation/exhalation orifice. The medicament supply system controllably ejects medicament droplets from the medicament ejector. Further, the inhaler system includes a flow control system in fluidic communication with the medicament ejector. The flow control system is configured to entrain the medicament droplets and pass the medicament droplets to the inhalation/exhalation orifice when the patient applies an in-breath to the inhalation/exhalation structure. In addition, the flow control system is configured to impede a flow of air from the inhalation/exhalation orifice to the medicament ejector when the patient applies an out-breath into the inhalation/exhalation structure.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser for use in the storage, presentation and/or dispensing of medicament comprising a body shaped for receipt of a medicament container. In association with the body, there is a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. A medicament container is receivable by the body. In association with the medicament container, there is a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving data. Data is transferable in two-way fashion from the first transceiver to the second transceiver. The medicament dispenser may be supplied in kit of parts form.

Abstract: Use of ceramic powder injection molding for the manufacture of a ceramic component of a medicinal pressurized metered dose dispenser, in particular a metered dose inhaler.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) comprises a can (2) and body (3). The can is an aluminum extrusion with a valve crimped into its mouth, the valve having an outlet spout (4). The crimped region (5) of the can surrounding the valve has a lesser diameter than the can has through the main part (6) of its length. The body has a mouthpiece (11) with a pivotal cover (12) drivingly connected to a cam (13). This bears on the underside of junction member (14), into a socket (15) of which the spout 4 fits. A breath actuated dose release mechanism (16) is provided. The body has a tubular section (7) for receiving the necked down region (5) of the can. A printed paper label (21) is wrapped around the joint between the body and the can to unite the can to the body in position such that when the cover is opened, a dose is dispensed by the cam (13) lifting the junction member and depressing the spout.

Abstract: Provided is an easy-to-handle prefilled type nasal drip appliance which can spray medical solution surely into the nostril while holding down the production cost. A syringe barrel has a spray hole and a latching portion of a center stopper on one side, with a conduction portion of medical solution being provided at the latching portion, and has a portion protruding inward of the inner circumferential surface formed on the other end side. A plunger has a portion protruding outward of the outer circumferential surface formed substantially in the axial center wherein both protrusions engage with each other. When the plunger is moved in the spray direction of the syringe barrel to get over the plunger side protrusion and disengaged, the medical solution moves the center stopper in the spray direction to form a medical solution inflow groove between the conduction portion formed at the center stopper latching portion and the center stopper.

Abstract: Nebulizer assemblies and systems are disclosed. A nebulizer assembly includes a reservoir and a nebulizer for producing an aerosolized gas. An aerosolized gas outlet passes the aerosolized gas. A breathing gas mixing chamber is coupled to an outlet port of the nebulizer to entrain nebulized medication into a breathing gas. A system and method of heating medication in a reservoir and adding medication to a gas flow is also provided.

Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivering a powdered inhalable formulation from a blister strip having a plurality of blister pouches. The inhaler has a receiving chamber for the used blister strip separated from a reservoir for the unused blister strip.

Abstract: A system for delivering an aerosolized drug to a patient includes an aerosol drug generator coupled to a mouthpiece including two sensing ports. A pressure sensor is connected to the two sensing ports of the mouthpiece. The system also includes a data processing component which calculates an inspired flow rate based on a signal from the pressure sensor, and a measurement component which measures the inhalation time, which is the time during which the aerosolized drug is inhaled at the inspired flow rate. The data processing component also calculates the amount of the aerosolized drug delivered to the patient based on the inspired flow rate, the amount of inhalation time, and a drug delivery coefficient.

Abstract: An aerosol inhalator has an aerosol generation passage extending from an ambient air inlet (2) to a mouthpiece (4), a liquid supply device (18) for feeding a predetermined amount of a solution to a feed position (A) in the passage (6), a ceramic heater (12) for heating the solution conveyed from the feed position (A) toward the mouthpiece (4) with a drawn-in flow of air created in the passage (6) by a user's sucking action, thereby causing the solution to evaporate and turn into an aerosol in the passage (6), and a protector provided at least either at a location near the feed position (A) or at a location between the feed position (A) and the liquid supply device (18), the protector having at least one of a radiation cover (2), a cooling device (21) and an open-close valve (22).

Abstract: A shaping tool as depicted in exemplary FIG. 3 comprising a rotatable base member having at least one profiled bending roller (13) which is mounted on a circular track and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The bending roller (13) arranged on a radially movable slide (11) is movable from a position defining a maximum working aperture for the tool, by means of a spring-loaded lever (9) which has an axial configuration, into a position defining a minimum working aperture for the tool.

Abstract: A ventilation apparatus (1) for pulmonary scintigraphy, having an inhalation collector (10) to which an element of inhalation (20), a feed duct (31), defining a flow of marked aerosol (55), and an outlet duct (32), for disposal of exhaled flow and any aerosol surplus, are connected. The feeding air may be of bi-level type, whereby the air flow rate when breathing out is low, even if always positive. The collector (10) has a first interposition element (21) located at the connection with the air feeding tube (31) that only allows inlet flow towards the patient. A second interposition element (22) is located at the connection with outlet duct (32). The presence of one-way valve(s) (21, 22) allows breathing of the marked aerosol in the bronchial branches of the patient (20) in a completely natural manner following physiologic respiration and avoiding hyper-accumulation of marker in the largest bronchial branches.

Abstract: A metered does inhaler which includes a canister assembly which has a minimal volume canister and primeless valve to reduce waste, minimize total drug contained therein, and increase the reproducibility of dosage delivered.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser (5, 105)is disclosed having a housing (9, 109)and a pump action fluid discharge device (8, 108). The pump action fluid discharge device (8, 108) is arranged to be actuated by a pair of opposing levers (20, 21); (120, 121) which are pivotally connected to part of the housing (9, 109). When the levers (20, 21); (120, 121) are squeezed together the fluid discharge device (8, 108) is urged towards a nozzle (11, 111) causing a single dose of fluid to be dispensed from the nozzle (11, 111).

Abstract: An inhaler (1) for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip (2) with a plurality of blister pockets (13) is proposed. The used part of the blister strip (12) is wound up and/or kept taut and/or free of loops by means of a spring (15).

Abstract: A dose counting device for use with a medicinal metered dose dispensing device, the device comprising an actuator having at least one finger that is designed for reciprocal movement comprising an outward stroke and a return stroke, an annular member having a helical thread segment formed about a circumferential arc on a part of its surface, and a drive nut positioned around a radial cross-section of the annular member and having an internal helical rib engaged with said helical thread segment on the annular member whereby rotation of the drive nut about the circumferential arc of the annular member results in rotational movement of the annular member, the outer surface of the drive nut comprising one or more driving surfaces for engagement by said at least one finger on the actuator during said reciprocal movement to cause rotation of the drive nut.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held device (1), as depicted in exemplary FIG. 4, for metered dispensing of sprayable substances, particularly medicaments for inhalation, with a cartridge (3) that can be moved into the dispensing position, by pressure being applied to a housing, and with a step-by-step indexing mechanism (11) which is entrained by the cartridge (3) in the opening travel thereof and which is used to record and display the dispensing actuations that have been performed.

Abstract: A dose indicator for a fluid dispenser, the dose indicator includes at a minimum a ledge that actuates the dose indicator as the fluid dispenser device begins an actuation stroke that in turn actuates the first one of two flexible elements of the dose indicator that begins the actuation of a rotary counting wheel at the start of the actuation stroke of the fluid dispenser device, and the second less flexible element continues the actuation of the rotary counting wheel after the actuation stroke of the fluid dispenser device is completed. In some embodiments, the rotary counting wheel interacts with a display window with a groove and pin system to both rotate and translate the display window.

Abstract: A cartridge for propellant-free administration of a liquid pharmaceutical composition by inhalation includes: an elongate displacing device including an upper end and a lower end, the lower end for at least partial insertion into a container; a cartridge chamber disposed at the lower end of the displacing device and operable store a pharmaceutical formulation, the cartridge chamber including at least one pierceably sealed opening; and a cannula guide extending from the upper end of the displacing device to the cartridge chamber, wherein insertion of a cannula through the guide pierces the sealed opening and releases the pharmaceutical formulation into a liquid solvent in the container to form the liquid pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: A metering valve for a pressurized fluid reservoir with an immobile fixed chamber body sealed off by a plug with at least one opening that serves as an inlet into the metering chamber that also serves as the outlet of any temporarily stored pressurized gas, with a valve stem that surrounds the metering chamber that it is co-axially aligned and slidable with respect to the metering chamber such that the valve stem's attached seals and its dispensing opening expose the metering chamber's opening to the dispensing opening of the valve stem as the valve stem is actuated to overcome the biasing forces of a spring, and subsequently close the metering chamber's opening when not actuated from the valve stem's dispensing opening and expose the metering chamber's opening to the pressurized fluid reservoir so that a metered dose of pressurized fluid is dispensed during each cycle of actuation of the valve stem.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for pressurized medical liquids comprising a reservoir for medical liquid and a pressurizing means configured for pressurizing medical liquid to a driving pressure; with a diffusion barrier arranged to float on medical liquid in the reservoir and disposed to cover substantially the entire surface of the medical liquid in the reservoir for the purpose of preventing diffusion of gas present in the reservoir into the medical liquid.

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising: a housing for receiving a canister which comprises a body which includes a base and a head and defines a chamber containing medicament, and a valve stem which extends from the body and from which medicament is in use delivered on actuation of the canister; an outlet through which a user in use inhales; and a nozzle assembly which provides for delivery of medicament through the outlet, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle block which receives the valve stem of the canister and, as a separately-formed component, a nozzle outlet which is fluidly connected to the nozzle block and includes an outlet orifice from which medicament is in use delivered.

Abstract: There is provided a drug dispenser device comprising a housing; extending from the housing, an outlet for insertion into a body cavity of a patient; provided to the housing and moveable with respect thereto, a drug discharge device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a container for storing a drug formulation to be dispensed, a discharge mechanism and a discharge channel from the container for discharge of the drug formulation to the outlet; connecting to the drug discharge device, a container collar; connecting to the container collar and moveable with respect thereto along the longitudinal axis of the drug discharge device, a transfer element, the transfer element including an actuating portion; provided to the housing, at least one finger operable member moveable to apply a force to the actuating portion of the transfer element to move the transfer element along the longitudinal axis in a first direction; linking the container collar with the transfer element, a biasing mechanism to store biasing ene

Abstract: An actuator for an inhaler for delivering drug by inhalation, comprising: a housing for receiving a canister which comprises a body which includes a base and a head and defines a chamber for containing drug, and a valve stem which extends from the body and from which drug is in use delivered on actuation of the canister; an outlet through which a user in use inhales; and a nozzle which provides for delivery of drug through the outlet; wherein the outlet includes at least one air flow path which provides for a substantially annular air flow at an inner peripheral surface of the outlet on inhalation by the user through the outlet, such as to provide a sheathing air flow to an aerosol spray when delivered from the nozzle.

Abstract: An actuator for a metered dose inhaler containing a liquefied propellant and a medicament, the actuator comprising: a nozzle block having a fluid flow path extending therethrough, the fluid flow path defined by an internal chamber having an inlet and an outlet; the outlet being defined in a portion of the nozzle block and comprising an exit channel extending therethrough, wherein the exit channel has a narrow portion wherein the diameter of the channel is 0.3 mm or less, the narrow portion being 0.5 mm or less in length; and the narrow portion optionally including a constriction having a diameter of less than 0.3 mm.

Abstract: A medicinal dispensing device comprising a dose counter device for counting the doses of an aerosol medication dispensed from the dispensing device, said dispensing caused by an application of force in an axial direction on said dispensing device, the dose counter device comprising an actuation button and being operable by application of a force in the axial direction to the dispensing device, where the actuation button comprises a top plate and a side wall or side walls, as applicable, and wherein the dispensing device is provided with a crenelated parapet having two or more merlons, the merlons being positioned around the counter actuation button near the sidewall or sidewalls, as applicable, wherein the most axially outwardly facing surfaces of the merlons extend outwardly beyond a plane generally perpendicular to said axial direction and tangential to the most axially outwardly facing surface or surfaces of the top plate of the counter actuation button at the position of the counter actuation button at th

Abstract: A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, comprising: a flow path defined by a plurality of surfaces through which a stream of air is in use drawn on inhalation by a user; and dosing means (18) for providing a dose of powder to the flow path for entrainment in the stream of air; characterized in that the inhaler further comprises dislodging means for dislodging powder accumulated on a surface of the flow path downstream of the dosing means (18).

Abstract: A liquid ejection device of the present invention includes an inhaling port portion, an ejection head for ejecting a liquid to be inhaled by a user through the inhaling port portion, a first sensor for detecting an action of the user relating to inhalation, a second sensor for detecting another action of the user relating to inhalation, the second sensor being different from the first sensor, and a determining portion for determining an operation of ejecting the liquid of the ejection head in response to both a first signal output from the first sensor and a second signal output from the second sensor, wherein the determining portion enables ejection of the liquid from the ejection head when both the first signal and the second signal are signals indicating inhalation intention of the user.

Abstract: A dosing device with an electromechanical interface is provided. The dosing device includes delivery means, a medium reservoir and an applicator, on the one hand, and a control unit and electrical energy store, on the other hand, in separate structural units. Guide means are provided for fitting one of the structural units into the other structural unit. The guide means has an electromechanical interface for coupling and/or uncoupling relative to the control unit and/or energy store without using tools.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for treating inflammatory disorders of the lower airways, comprising administering an effective amount of an agent, which modulates the expression and/or activity of a proinflammatory cytokine or fragment thereof, preferably in a human. The proinflammatory cytokine contemplated by the invention includes IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha. The present invention describes a kit comprising a delivery device and a pharmaceutical composition for administration of the agent. The pharmaceutical composition includes at least one proinflammatory cytokine inhibitor, optionally one or more additional active ingredients, and at least one pharmaceutically active carrier. The delivery device further comprises a nebulizer, an inhaler, a powder dispenser, an intrapulmonary aerosolizer and a sub-miniature aerosolizer.

Abstract: A breath actuated nasal drug delivery device includes a housing having a spray port; a reservoir housing a liquidous medicament; and a selectively actuable pump. A breath actuated triggering mechanism includes a mouthpiece and a diaphragm. A pressure differential across the diaphragm causes an elastically deformable drive element (e.g., spring) to release stored potential energy, causing the pump's plunger to move to thereby pump the medicament to the spray port. A cocking lever can be pivotally mounted to the housing for causing the drive element to store potential energy. The triggering mechanism can include a cam element pivotally attached to the housing and the diaphragm that rotates in response to movement of the diaphragm. A follower element can be pivotally connected to the plunger for movement therewith; the follower element releasably engages the cam element. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A metered dose valve for use in a pressurized metered dose dispenser for dispensing a metered dose of an aerosol formulation comprising particles of a medicament suspended in liquefied propellant, optionally in combination with one or more excipients, said valve comprising a metering chamber and at least one porous, fluid permeable, particulate semi-permeable body, said at least one porous body being positioned within a region of the interior conduit of the valve, for example within the metering chamber, or a pre-metering chamber and/or an internal channel upstream of the metering chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved metered dose inhaler utilizing the property of the aerosol canister. The metered dose inhaler includes: a housing body (2); an aerosol canister (3) including a canister body (3a), a valve stem (3b), and a spring urging the valve stem, wherein the valve stem (3b) is held at a fixed position inside the housing body (2), and wherein the canister body (3a) is supported inside the housing body (2) to be depressible against a spring force of the spring; a dose counter (10) including display members (12) and (13) rotatably supported inside the housing body (2), and a control lever (14) swingably supported inside the housing body (2) to rotate the display member (13); and a control cap (20) including a junction member rotatably joined to the control lever (14), and a cap portion (20b) which sheaths the canister body (3a) from a bottom side of the canister body (3a), wherein the control cap (20) causes the control lever (14) to swing.

Abstract: An inhalation device for administering one or more sedatives via pulmonary delivery for treating a sleep disturbance.

Abstract: A device (30) for nebulizing a liquid includes a nebulization head (40) having a capillary tube (40-1) and a nozzle (40-2) for ejecting a liquid (43), a liquid supply tank (42) for supplying the nebulization head with liquid (43), a vibrator (44) for vibration driving the nebulization head so that it ejects droplets of liquid in a nebulization jet. The device (30) further includes a pressure regulator for applying to the liquid at the inlet to the nebulization head (40), during nebulization cycles, a pressure greater than a first pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is not vibration driven, and lower than a second pressure threshold above which the liquid flows through the nebulization head when the head is vibration driven. Advantages of the device include increase in the nebulization flow rate and low sensitivity to changes in trim and to vibrations.

Abstract: A housing for a mechanical or electrical device for use with an aerosol canister for containing chemical comprising a sleeve for receipt of the aerosol canister, a collar affixable around the neck of the canister; and a joint between the sleeve and the collar to secure the housing to the canister.

Abstract: A medicament dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament includes an actuator housing having a longitudinally extending cavity and a container disposed in the cavity and having a cylinder with a first outer diameter. The cylinder is adapted to hold the medicament. The container is reciprocally moveable relative to the actuator housing along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes an indicator housing having a tubular portion connected to said container, with the indicating device being reciprocally moveable with the container relative to the actuator housing. The tubular portion has a second outer diameter that is of substantially the same diameter as the first outer diameter. A longitudinally extending side wall has a viewing window formed therein. An indicator is rotatably mounted in the indicator housing, with a surface thereof having indicia visible through the viewing window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel design for a metering valve that provides improved consistency of formulation delivery. Generally, the metering valve includes (a) a valve stem that generally defines a longitudinal axis and includes a body portion having a metering surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and a plane tangential to at least a portion of the metering surface define an angle from about 2° to about 90°; and (b) a valve body having an internal chamber defined at least in part by the body wall and includes a metering portion configured to substantially conform to the metering surface of the valve stem.

Abstract: Systems comprising a pressurized delivery device and a formulation of cyclosporine coupled to an exhalation filter or trap that is capable of preventing cyclosporine from escaping into the local environment are provided. An apparatus for use in the system comprises either an exhalation filter and a pressurized delivery device, wherein the exhalation filter is capable of providing high filter efficiency and maintaining low filter resistance after usage with the formulation, or a trap which provides a means for expired gas to be released into a solvent chamber containing a solvent with a high affinity for cyclosporine. These systems may be used to treat patients with pulmonary disorders, organ transplant patients such as lung transplant patients, and other immune-related disorders.

Abstract: Actuator for an inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, having a main body with a tubular member for receiving a canister containing medicament and having a valve stem extending therefrom; and an outlet assembly, as a part formed separately of the main body, including a mouthpiece for guiding medicament to the mouth of a user and a nozzle block for receiving the valve stem of the canister and delivering medicament from the canister into the mouthpiece. The actuator belongs to a range of inhaler actuators where the outlet assembly is a common part for the range of actuators, and the members of the range of actuators differ by the physical appearance of the main body. The outlet assembly is formed such that it has all parts of the actuator that come into contact with the medicament during normal use, and the main body and the outlet assembly are configured so as to snap-fit together and are provided with complementary snap catch members.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of pressurised metered dose inhalers (MDIs) having part or all of their internal surfaces consisting of stainless steel, anodised aluminium or lined with an inert organic coating; and to compositions to be delivered with said MDIs.

Abstract: A mouthpiece (150A) has an aerosol lead-out flow passage (104), an aerosol lead-out opening (105), and an exhalation discharge opening (106). The lead-out flow passage (104) includes a first flow passage (104A) extending upward, a second flow passage (104B) extending obliquely forward from the first flow passage (104A), and a corner flow passage (104C) for connecting the first flow passage (104A) and second flow passage (104B) of the lead-out flow passage (104). The mouthpiece (150A) has a curvature portion (153) formed by curving that portion of the first flow passage (104A) wall surface which crosses the center line of the first flow passage (104A). The exhalation discharge opening (106) is provided in a wall surface defining the second flow passage (104B), at a position circumferentially displaced from the wall surface portion at which the curvature portion (153) is provided.

Abstract: A metered dose aerosol actuator, for use in association with a pressurized medicament container provided with a dispensing metering valve having a valve stem, including a housing adapted to receive the container, a stem block extending upwards from the base of the housing and adapted to engage the valve stem by means of a cavity provided in the stem block, the stem block being provided with a spray orifice adapted to be in flow connection with the valve stem and the cavity, a sump extending downwards from the cavity relative to the spray orifice, wherein the sump has a smooth, rounded interior surface.

Abstract: A medical respiratory apparatus includes a chamber (10) which is at least in part at least translucent. The chamber (10) includes a float member (12) formed of an inert material and contains, in use, a fluid intended for inhalation. The float member (12) is adapted to float upon the fluid intended to be contained within the chamber (10) and has a peripheral dimension adjacent, but less than, the internal peripheral dimension of the chamber (10). At least the outer peripheral surface of the float member (12) has a coloration distinct from that of the fluid to be contained within the chamber such that the level of the fluid within the chamber (10) can be readily observed.

Abstract: A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from an elastomeric composition comprising: (a) an isobutylene polymer or co-polymer thereof; (b) a cross-linking agent for the isobutylene polymer or co-polymer thereof; and (c)) an accelerator for the cross-linking agent, wherein the accelerator includes a polysulphide compound derived from a substituted dithiocarbonic acid or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Aerosol dispensing devices and methods for using the same for administering aerosolized drugs to a subject are provided. Aspects of the aerosol dispensing device include an aerosol production unit configured to produce an aerosol from a liquid containing a pharmaceutically active drug, and a burst valve adapted to mechanically open in response to a subject's inhalation. The burst valve is configured to prevent airflow through the device until the subject's inhalation produces an operational pressure difference across the burst valve. In some embodiments, the operational pressure difference can be 15 cm H2O or less. Aspects of the invention can also include a heating element configured to evaporate water from aerosol droplets. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to administer an aerosolized drug to a subject.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus comprising a housing having a first part (2) and a second part (3) together defining an interior of the housing for receiving a dispensing container, the first and second part being movable from an open position to permit insertion of said dispensing container into the interior of the housing to a closed position in which removal of said dispensing container from the interior of the housing is prevented, the dispensing apparatus further comprising a mouthpiece (4) which is removably connectable to the housing, wherein when connected to the housing the mouthpiece defines an outlet for a product dispensed, in use, from said dispensing container, and wherein when the mouthpiece is disconnected from the housing the first and second parts substantially enclose the interior to prevent access to and removal of said dispensing container received in the interior.