Abstract: A breath-enhanced nebulizer adapted for use in administering an aerosolized pharmaceutical composition to a patient by inhalation wherein the patient is connected to a mechanical ventilator is disclosed. The nebulizer has a Venturi driven by a nebulizer air supply that draws a solution of a pharmaceutical composition into a shear zone where the solution is atomized. The Venturi effect is amplified by the internal configuration of the nebulizer to increase the rate of nebulization of drug. Optionally, breath-actuated nebulization is used, employing a pressure sensor interposed between the nebulizer and mechanical ventilator that controls the nebulizer air supply, such that nebulizer air and concomitant nebulization only occurs during the inhalation phase of a breathing cycle.

Abstract: A breath-enhanced nebulizer adapted for use in administering an aerosolized pharmaceutical composition to a patient by inhalation wherein the patient is connected to a mechanical ventilator is disclosed. The nebulizer has a Venturi driven by a nebulizer air supply that draws a solution of a pharmaceutical composition into a shear zone where the solution is atomized. The Venturi effect is amplified by the internal configuration of the nebulizer to increase the rate of nebulization of drug. Optionally, breath-actuated nebulization is used, employing a pressure sensor interposed between the nebulizer and mechanical ventilator that controls the nebulizer air supply, such that nebulizer air and concomitant nebulization only occurs during the inhalation phase of a breathing cycle.