Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of edema in a mammalian host. In the subject methods, a cross-sectional dimension of at least one limbic extremity, preferably a lower limbic extremity such as an ankle or foot, is measured to obtain a measured value. The measured value is then compared to a control value and any difference is identified. The difference is then related to the presence of edema in the patient. The subject methods find use in the diagnosis and management of diseases characterized by the presence of edema as a physical manifestation, particularly congestive heart failure.

Abstract: A disposable package, tape, and cassette are provided which makes it possible to hold and disperse therefrom liquid, flowable formulations including aqueous formulations (solutions or dispersions with particles less than 0.25 microns in diameter) of a pharmaceutically active drug. In one embodiment formulation is packaged in individual dosage unit containers which containers are preferably interconnected. The package is designed to be integrated into a cassette which can be loaded into a dispersing device capable of individually opening dosage unit containers and aerosolizing the contents through a porous membrane, into a mouth piece on the cassette, for delivery to a patient. In addition to and alongside of each porous membrane, the package may include one or more openings through which air is forced in order to aid in avoiding the accumulation of aerosolized particles.

Abstract: A method of treating patients suffering from a respiratory disease using a programmable, hand-held, self-contained drug dispensing device is disclosed. A patient's inspiratory flow rate is measured and a determination is made of a typical and preferred rate and volume for the release of respiratory drug. To obtain repeatability in dosing the drug is repeatedly released at the same rate and volume. To maximize the amount of drug delivered based on the amount released the drug is released at a rate of from about 0.10 to about 2.0 liters/second and (2) a volume of about 0.15 to about 0.8 liters. Parameters such as rate, volume, and particle size of the aerosolized formulation are adjusted to obtain repeatable dosing of the maximum amount of drug to the desired area of the lung. Lung function is measured and use parameters are adjusted in order to improve lung function.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a drug in an aerosol drug delivery device by an electronic lock and key means is disclosed. Access is limited to the intended user by providing the intended user with a uniquely coded, machine readable key means that matches the unique code of the lock means. Contacting matching lock and key means signals a controlling means to allow use of the device. Specifically, the method is applied to a method of pain control provided by the intrapulmonary delivery of a pharmaceutically active pain relief formulation. The formulation is automatically released from a hand-held, self-contained, portable device comprised of a means for automatically releasing a measured amount of drug into the inspiratory flow path of a patient in response to information obtained from a means for measuring and separately determining inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume of a patient.

Abstract: A method of pain control is provided by the intrapulmonary delivery of a pharmaceutically active pain relief formulation. The formulation is automatically released from a hand-held, self-contained, portable device comprised of a means for automatically releasing a measured amount of drug into the inspiratory flow path of a patient in response to information obtained from a means for measuring and separately determining inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume of a patient. Reproducible dosing is obtained by providing for automatic release in response to a separately measured inspiratory rate and inspiratory volume. To obtain repeatability in dosing the narcotic formulation is repeatedly released at the same measured (1) inspiratory flow rate and (2) inspiratory volume. To maximize the efficiency of the delivery the narcotic formulation is released at (1) a measured inspiratory flow rate in the range of from about 0.10 to about 2.

Abstract: A disposable package, tape, and cassette are provided which makes it possible to hold and disperse therefrom liquid, flowable formulations including aqueous formulations (solutions or dispersions with particles less than 0.25 microns in diameter) of a pharmaceutically active drug. In one embodiment formulation is packaged in individual dosage unit containers which containers are preferably interconnected. The package is designed to be integrated into a cassette which can be loaded into a dispersing device capable of individually opening dosage unit containers and aerosolizing the contents through a porous membrane, into a mouth piece on the cassette, for delivery to a patient. In addition to and alongside of each porous membrane, the package may include one or more openings through which air is forced in order to aid in avoiding the accumulation of aerosolized particles.

Abstract: Liquid, flowable formulations including aqueous formulations of a pharmaceutically active drug are packaged in individual dosage unit containers which containers are interconnected to form a cellular array designed to be integrated into a dispensing device capable of individually opening dosage unit containers and aerosolizing the contents through a nozzle for delivery to a patient. The cellular array is comprised of a plurality of containers with each container having an opening(s) thereon from which a drug-containing formulation may be aerosolized. The dispensing device is a hand-held, self-contained, portable device comprised of a means for removing covers from the containers and automatically dispensing the formulation from individual containers, preferably in response to a signal obtained as a result of measuring the inspiratory flow of a patient.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient suffering from diabetes mellitus by delivering aerosolized insulin to the patient and a programmed, portable, hand-held device used in such treatment methodology is disclosed. Two basic types of drug delivery devices are disclosed for use in connection with the present invention. In accordance with the first type of device the insulin is contained within a low boiling point propellant which is held within a canister under pressure. In accordance with the second type of device the insulin is present within a container in solution and the solution is moved through a porous membrane to create an aerosolized formulation which is inhaled by the patient. In accordance with both devices a measured amount of insulin containing formulation is automatically released into the inspiratory flow path of a patient in response to information obtained from determining the inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume of a patient.

Abstract: A disposable package, tape, and cassette are provided which makes it possible to hold and disperse therefrom liquid, flowable formulations including aqueous formulations (solutions or dispersions with particles less than 0.25 microns in diameter) of a pharmaceutically active drug. In one embodiment formulation is packaged in individual dosage unit containers which containers are preferably interconnected. The package is designed to be integrated into a cassette which can be loaded into a dispersing device capable of individually opening dosage unit containers and aerosolizing the contents through a porous membrane, into a mouth piece on the cassette, for delivery to a patient. In addition to and alongside of each porous membrane, the package may include one or more openings through which air is forced in order to aid in avoiding the accumulation of aerosolized particles.