Abstract: A unit dose dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber, optionally including one or more beads. A blister is supported adjacent to the dispersion chamber. A mouthpiece cover is removable from a mouthpiece, with movement of the mouthpiece cover causing the blister to open. An air flow path extends past or under the blister and into the dispersion chamber. As a result, the blister remains sealed until the inhaler is ready for use. The blister is then automatically opened when the mouthpiece cover is removed from the mouthpiece. Pharmaceutical dry powder is released from the blister and entrained in air flow through the inhaler, when the user inhales on the mouthpiece. The powder is dispersed in air within the dispersion chamber.

Abstract: A dose tape for use in a dry powder inhaler has blisters formed in a formpack layer. A lidstock layer is permanently attached over the formpack layer, to seal a dose of dry powder within each of the blisters. A tear strip is attached to the lidstock layer over each of the blisters. The dose tape is provided in a coil within an inhaler having a breath actuated tape advance blister opening system. Moving a dustcap off of a mouthpiece into an open position places the tape advance/blister opening system into a ready condition. When the patient inhales on the mouthpiece, the tape advance/blister opening system is triggered. The blister or dose tape is advanced by one increment, and a blister is automatically opened. Pulling on the tear strip shears out an area of the lidstock over the blister, unsealing the powder contents. Airflow through an air path in the inhaler, generated by inhalation, carries the powder to a disbursion chamber, or directly to the mouthpiece, for inhalation by the patient.