Abstract: This invention consists of an inhaler capable of administering powdered medicaments contained in a capsule. It is formed by a compartment housing the capsule, inside the cover or the body of the inhaler, and a cutting element, inside the same cover or the body. Said element cuts or perforates the capsule, releasing the substance it contained. The powder falls into a grid reservoir below that holds the pieces of the case end lets only the powder pass through. Once the capsule is inserted into the compartment, it will be sufficient to activate the cutting device, then place the mouthpiece into the mouth and breathe in, so that the powdered substance dispersed into the chamber can reach the lungs. Said inhaler may be equipped with disposable accessories to be placed into the mouth, otherwise may be used with specific accessories for inhaling the substances also by the nose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule opening arrangement for a powder inhaler device. The arrangement has a first part and a second part which are relatively movable with respect to one another. The first part has a capsule support including an aperture for supporting at least one severable capsule. The second part contains a capsule severing device fixedly located therein so as to pass across the supporting aperture during relative movement of the first and second parts. The opening arrangement provides particular advantages in that the capsule, after severing, has a large open area from which powder can be extracted without any part of the capsule interfering with the powder flow.

Abstract: The nasal dispenser (1) consists of but two integral housing bodies (4, 5) for accommodating a medium blister (6). Bodies (4, 5) are interlocked by withdrawal prevention means against separation and by releasable blocking means (49) against actuation. The medium reservoir (7) is located freely in an innermost housing space (62) of the first housing body (4). Thus the dispenser (1) is highly compact, simple in configuration and permits facilitated handling.

Abstract: This invention consists of an inhaler capable of administering powdered medicaments contained in a capsule through the respiratory tract. It's a pen-shaped device formed by a container that preserves the capsules, arranged in vertical parallel lines, and a block comprising two or more separated elements inside which one capsule is placed in order to be cut or perforated by a cutting element. The powder of the capsule is so released into a chamber with a grid lower surface that keeps the pieces of the case inside and lets only the powder pass through. Once the capsule is placed into its compartment in order to be cut, it will be sufficient to rotate an element on the other ones by means of a support. Then the user places the mouthpiece of the inhaler, separated by the container, into his/her mouth and breathes in, so that the powdered drug dispersed into the chamber can reach the lungs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer for children primarily intended to be used in conjunction with a metered dose inhaler (MDI), said spacer having a generally oblong shape and being rotationally symmetrical around a central, longitudinal axis and being provided with an opening at each end located centrally in said axis for connection of an meterd dose inhaler respectively of a mouth-piece or similar. The spacer has a small total volume which is in the range between 50 and 400 ml, and the material in the spacer has a surface resitivity which is lower than 109 Ohm, preferably lower than 106 Ohm.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent the reservoir. A gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure. A first frangible membrane extends across the entrance port and separates the reservoir from the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends across the exit port. When the pressurizing mechanism is attached, at least one of the first and second membranes is responsive to the prescribed pressure in the gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port.

Abstract: An inhalator including an inhalator body including a powder receiving chamber for receiving a powder, an air-powder mixture reservoir for temporarily storing an air-powder mixture flowing from the powder receiving chamber, and a diluent air passage for introducing a diluent air into the air-powder mixture reservoir. The air-powder mixture is formed within the powder receiving chamber when an air is introduced into the powder receiving chamber. The air-powder mixture within the air-powder mixture reservoir is admixed with a diluent air introduced thereinto through the diluent air passage. The diluted air-powder mixture is discharged from an air-powder mixture outlet into a user's oral or nasal cavity. A powder composition for inhalators includes at least two kinds of fine particles different in particle diameter.

Abstract: An inhalation device is described for use with a medicament pack in which at least one container for medicament in powder form is defined between two sheets peelably secured to one another. The device comprises means for peeling the sheets apart at an opening station to open the container; and an outlet, communicating with the opened container, through which a user can inhale medicament in powder form from the opened container.

Abstract: An inhalant medicator includes a medicator body 1 which is formed therein with a cylindrical fit hole 2, an inhalant port 3, an inflow air passageway 5, and an outflow air passageway 6, and a medical powder storage cylindrical member 8 which is installed or fitted into the cylindrical fit hole 2 in a manner so as to open or close the air passageways 5 and 6 with respect to a medical powder storage chamber 12. The inhalant medicator is constructed by two component parts, namely the medicator body 1 and the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8, thus ensuring simplified structure and reduced production costs. Additionally, powder-and-granular medicine or medical powder 16 is tightly encapsulated within the medical powder storage chamber 12 by means of the medical powder storage cylindrical member 8, thus preventing loss of flow of the medical powder 16.

Abstract: For discharging a medium, such as a powder, a film/foil seal (16) of a reservoir chamber (24) is pierced by a tool (40) in a first axial movement, after which the medium is suctioned via an orifice (9) in feeding a delivery flow via passageways (55) from the chamber (24). On completion of a return stroke and twisting the tool (40) relative to the reservoir body (6) a further chamber (24) may be emptied in the same way, thus enabling e.g. a pharmaceutical active substance to be administered in two individual doses as expedient for nasal treatment.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises a body 1 defining a storage chamber for a powder and further defining an inhalation passage 2 through which air is drawn via a mouthpiece 3. A flow duct passing through the mouthpiece includes a circulatory section 25 in which the flow duct is in the form of one or more passageways. The flow duct further includes a cyclone chamber 35 between the circulatory section and the outlet of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral active agent delivery system and method for delivering discrete units of an active agent formulation to a patient. An active agent formulation chamber containing the active agent formulation and having a fluid passing active agent formulation retainer is placed at a first end into a fluid and at a second end into a patient's mouth. The active agent is delivered when the patient sips on the second end of the chamber.

Abstract: An inhaler device for administration of a dry powder to a patient includes a package containing a dose of the dry powder and a magnetic field generator, which produces a magnetic field in a vicinity of the package. The magnetic field causes motion of particles of the powder so as to deaggregate the powder in the package, whereby the powder is inhaled by the patient. Preferably, the package includes walls made of a flexible material, which vibrate under the influence of the magnetic field so as to impart the motion to the particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conditioning packaged powders. According to one method, a receptacle is provided having an enclosed chamber that contains a powder. At least one pulse of energy is applied to the receptacle to increase the efficiency at which the powder may be extracted from the chamber when flowing a gas through the chamber.

Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powder utilizes a receptacle having a cavity containing a powder. An access end of an extraction tube is inserted into the cavity, and an inlet opening is formed in the receptacle. A pressurized gas is flowed through the inlet opening, through the cavity and through the extraction tube to move the powder in the cavity into the extraction tube where the powder is entrained in the gas to form an aerosol.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber containing beads. A dose of dry powder is released into the chamber, or into an inlet tangentially joining into the chamber. As the patient inhales on a nosepiece or mouthpiece, air moves circularly through the dispersion chamber to drive the beads. The beads roll, bounce, and collide repeatedly with the drug particles on the chamber surfaces or on the beads. The smaller active drug particles are separated from the larger carrier particles and from each other, and a powder aerosol is created and inhaled by the patient. The beads are preferably lightweight, so that they can be rapidly accelerated and moved, even with nominal inspiration. The flow resistance of the inhaler is also reduced via the beads, allowing greater air flow and powder dispersion, without any increased effort by the patient.

Abstract: A cylindrical main body 3 of a medicine administering device main body 1 is formed with a holder accommodating section 5, in which a capsule holding section 9 of a capsule holder 8 is disposed to be able to get in and out of the holder accommodating section 5. Accordingly, the capsule can be installed in a capsule fitting depression 10 formed in the capsule holding section 9, or the capsule after use can be taken out at a drawn-out position where the capsule holding section is drawn out of the holder accommodating section 5, so that installation and taking-out operations for the capsule can be easily made without decomposing respective parts like in a conventional technique. Additionally, the capsule can be located at a pushed-in position by pushing the capsule holding section 9 in the holder accommodating section 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule opening arrangement for a powder inhaler device. The arrangement has a first part and a second part which are relatively movable with respect to one another. The first part has a capsule support including an aperture for supporting at least one severable capsule. The second part contains a capsule severing device fixedly located therein so as to pass across the supporting aperture during relative movement of the first and second parts. The opening arrangement provides particular advantages in that the capsule, after severing, has a large open area from which powder can be extracted without any part of the capsule interfering with the powder flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivery of a drug comprising a multiple unit dosing device comprising a housing and an actuator, said device containing multiple doses of multiparticulates comprising drug particles, said device upon actuation delivering a unit dose of said multiparticulates, said drug particles having a mean diameter of greater than 10 &mgr;m to about 1 mm such that an effective dose of said drug cannot be delivered into the lower lung of a human patient. Also disclosed are novel methods, devices and dosage forms for delivering a drug.

Abstract: An inhalant medicator comprises a medicator body having a granular medicine accommodation chamber and an inhalant port, and air passageways disposed in the medicator body and communicating the inhalant port via the granular medicine accommodation chamber to the atmosphere for supplying granular medicines into the inhalant port. Also provided is a granular medicine diffusion means located downstream of the granular medicine accommodation chamber for efficiently diffusing the granular medicines. A cylindrical adapter 10 is detachably installed in the inhalant port 9.

Abstract: A hemostatic device for sealing blood vessels, particularly for use in angioplasty comprises: (1) a barrel including: (a) a cylindrical portion; and (b) a terminal tapered portion, the terminal tapered portion being divided by at least one slot cut therein so that the tapered portion expands radially when force is applied to it; and (iii) an aperture at the narrow end of the terminal tapered portion; (b) a proteinaceous powder in the cylindrical portion of the barrel, the proteinaceous powder including at least one protein that promotes hemostasis in a blood vessel, the aperture in the terminal tapered portion being for flow of the proteinaceous powder; and (c) a plunger inserted into the barrel, the plunger including: (i) a narrow portion including therein means for guiding a guidewire; and (ii) a conical portion extending from the narrow portion so that, when the plunger is inserted into the barrel, the large end of the conical portion is located closest to the tapered portion of the barrel.

Abstract: An inhaler for use by an individual to inhale a particulate medicament from a reservoir comprises a chamber having a first end connectable to the reservoir to be in air flow communication therewith, a second end for delivering the medicament to the individual upon inhalation and a conduit defining an air flow path extending between the first end and the second end; and, an orifice in the chamber between the first end and the second end, the orifice utilizing the Coanda Effect when the reservoir is in air flow communication with the chamber and upon inhalation by the individual to draw medicament from the reservoir into the air flow path.

Abstract: An inhalation device is provided by means of which material in powder form can be inhaled. The device comprises a body 55 defining a reservoir 56 for medicaments in powder form, an outlet 57 through which a user can inhale and a dosing member 53 with at least one metering recess 65 formed therein. The dosing member 53 is moveable between a position in which the at least one metering recess 65 communicates with the reservoir 56 to receive a dose of powder therefrom and a position in which the at least one metering recess 65 communicates with the outlet 57 to permit the user to inhale the dose. The at least one metering recess 65 is formed in a face of the dosing member 53, the said face being mounted in contact against a similar mating face 60 of the body 55 at the lower end of the reservoir 56. At least one moveable weight may be incorporated within the device, adapted to strike an anvil surface when the device is shaken.

Abstract: The present invention is an oral active agent delivery system and method for delivering discrete units of an active agent formulation to a patient. An active agent formulation chamber containing the active agent formulation and having a fluid passing active agent formulation retainer is placed at a first end into a fluid and at a second end into a patient's mouth. The active agent is delivered when the patient sips on the second end of the chamber.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has airflow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow in the secondary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament chamber (6) included in an inhalation apparatus and provided with a container (2) containing a desiccant. The chamber (6) is tightly sealed and has a moisture permeability as poor as possible, and the container (2) is permeable to moisture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention include encapsulating the antibiotic in fine particles of bioabsorbable polymer which will yield a constant dissolution of the antibiotic over a predefined dosing period (such as a 7-10 day period), with residual antibiotic being thereafter delivered only until the bioabsorable polymer is resorbed; and delivering the fine particle powder to the surgical site as an aerosol spray. It is preferable that the antibiotic and the polymer be thermostable so that the exothermic reaction of bone cement does not degrade the polymer or the antibiotic. A suitable antibiotic for this purpose is an aminoglycoside. One apparatus according to the invention include a porous delivery tube which is dimensioned to fit comfortable in a bone canal and which is coupled to a aerosol canister containing the antibiotic powder of the invention.

Abstract: A device (2) for pre-dosing a powder for a dispenser that includes an expulsion channel (12), the device being characterized in that it comprises at least one hermetically closed reservoir (4) each containing a dose of powder that is to be expelled on each actuation of the dispenser, said dispenser including a transfer device (16, 17) designed to transfer an entire dose of powder from one of said at least one reservoir (4) towards said expulsion channel (12) on each actuation of the dispenser, said transfer device (16, 17), when actuated, exerting pressure on a portion of a reservoir (4), each reservoir (4) including a closure wall (6) adapted to open totally and in predetermined manner towards the outside of the reservoir under the effect of the pressure created by actuating said transfer device (16, 17). A transfer element such as an insert (1) may optionally be placed in each reservoir (4).

Abstract: An inhaler (1) for dispensing accurate and reproducible doses of powder. The inhaler includes an expulsion channel (2) opening out in an outlet orifice (3), and is characterized by a combination of or: a pre-dosing device (100) having the powder in individual reservoirs (101), each reservoir (101) containing one dose of powder, and; a transfer device (200) for transferring a dose of powder in full into the expulsion channel (2) on each actuation of the inhaler. The inhaler also includes an air flow source (300) having a pump (301) triggerable by the user the air flow source (300) sending a flow of air into the expulsion channel (2) towards the outlet orifice (3) to expel the dose of powder.

Abstract: The present invention deals with the combination of several synergistic antioxidants including enzymatic co-factors as adjuncts to therapy of desquamating inflammatory disorders, such as psoriasis. These topical compositions are aimed to neutralize free radical species generated by such inflammatory conditions which are responsible for certain clinical signs and symptoms. As such, damage to skin causing destruction of elastin and collagen tissues is reduced. The present synergistic antioxidants may be combined with anti-inflammatories, including corticosteroids, anti-microbials, including zinc pyrithione, and other preparations useful in the therapy of desquamating disorders as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and related skin and scalp conditions.

Abstract: A needleless syringe, in which particles of a therapeutic agent are entrained in a high pressure gas flow, has a nozzle surrounded by a shroud silencer through which gas reflected from the target surface may be vented to atmosphere while retaining any particles reflected in the gas.

Abstract: A device for delivering biological agents includes a cannula for insertion into tissue having a distal end with a notch formed therein. A flexible membrane extending across the cannula notch has a surface for supporting a quantity of a biological agent. A displacement member is disposed within the cannula for displacing the support surface of the membrane laterally with respect to the cannula to deliver the biological agent with precision to a tissue site or body cavity.

Abstract: The combination of several synergistic antioxidants, enzymatic co-factors and amino acids in appropriate delivery vehicles employed in aerosol carriers, mist and pump oral sprays, solutions, such as oral irrigators, mouth rinses and mouthwashes, or gels and solid compositions as a means of preventing and ameliorating signs and symptoms and complications to the oro-pharyngeal cavity and mouth including buccal mucosa, gums and tongue and the upper respiratory tract from damage caused by free radical species induced by tobacco smoke, smokeless tobacco, ingested or chewed noxious, malodorous or harmful substances and other inhaled environmental pollutants and particulate matter, including tobacco to secondary smokers.

Abstract: A device for administering a powdery medicine satisfying the requirements of portability, easy and quick operation, fabrication through simple steps, rigid structure, and economy using decreased number of parts of low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler for administering medicaments (38) from blister packs (5), which has a housing with a mouthpiece (1) on one side, an air inlet opening (32) on the opposite side and, between them on the inside, a duct (7) which connects the mouthpiece (1) and the air inlet opening (32), it being possible for at least one blister strip (5) to be inserted into the housing so that the covering foil (35) of the inserted blister strip (5) adjoins the duct (7). The housing has means for pressing out the individual cavities (31) of the blister strip (5), which means contain at least one plunger (10) with a curved plunger surface, which corresponds to the shape of the blister cavities (31), for engagement on the blister cavity.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a primary inhalation passage and a secondary inhalation passage disposed in communication with the primary inhalation passage and a source of medicament. The primary inhalation passage has a flow inhibiting mechanism connected to a blocking plate positioned to selectively block fluid flow between the secondary and primary inhalation passage. As the user's inhalation reaches a defined rate, the flow inhibiting mechanism restricts flow through the primary inhalation passage and moves the blocking plate to enable airflow through the secondary passage. Thus, as the user achieves a desired inhalation rate, the medicament is provided through the secondary inhalation passage, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: Nasal applicators are an important aid for introducing powdery, pharmacologically active medicaments into the nasopharyngeal space of a patient. The present nasal applicator is based on a manually actuated compressed air source connected to an inflow channel (8) for generating a compressed air jet, a storage container (3) for the medicament and a metering device for making available a portioned-off quantity of the medicament which is caught by the compressed air jet and transported through an outflow channel (9) into the nose. The metering device consists of a metering drum (5) in which the storage container (3) for the medicament is formed by the interior of the metering drum (5). In addition, the inflow channel (8) is connected to one end of a metering channel (7) and the outflow channel (9) to the other end of the metering channel (7).

Abstract: The present invention is a dry powder inhaler that is operable to deliver a dry powder medication to the lungs of a patient without the use of a propellant. The inhaler device is a tubular shell with an opening at either end of the shell and an air passageway therethrough, a medication storage chamber, an axially moved air inlet closure member covering the air inlet opening(s), and a slidable medication dosing tray attached to the closure member. In use, the air inlet closure member is pulled in a direction away from the user while the patient inhales, causing the simultaneous introduction and flow of air through the air passageway, and dispersement of a dosage of the medication into the air passageway. The patient then inhales the air/medication mix which passes into the lungs.

Abstract: An inhaler includes a vibrator to deaggregated medication in powder form. One embodiment of the inhaler includes a piezoelectric vibrator 54 for vibrating a diaphragm for imparting vibration to a powder, and a controller 70 for controlling vibration so as to optimally suspend at least a portion of said powder in a fluidized state. An electrostatic charge plate 32 draws powder of selected particle size into the inhalation stream.

Abstract: An inhalation-activated inhalator having a flow diverting means wherein the primary air flow channel is blocked for a brief period during inspiration with air flow during that period passing through a dosing chamber arrangement and connecting passage to inject medicament into the inspired air stream is provided. By diverting the inspired air stream in this fashion, powdered medicament may be provided for inhalation at a particular point in the patient's inspiration cycle, thereby optimizing the delivery of medicament to the lungs.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a dosage or a powdery or fluid drug from a cartridge having a tubular chamber the ends of which are sealed by breakable membranes. The dispenser comprises a housing forming a cylinder which is at one end closed by an end wall through which an outlet pipe communicates with the interior of the cylinder. The other end of the cylinder is closed by a plunger which may be displaced into the cylinder. The drug cartridge is placed in a piston mounted axially displaceable in the cylinder between the end wall and the plunger, and the tubular chamber extends from one side of the piston to the other. Penetrators for breaking the membranes are provided at the inner end of the outlet pipe and the inner end of the plunger.

Abstract: A new inhalation device, which during operation causes an aerosol to be formed inside a chamber such as a capsule (4) which occludes one end (3) of the inhalation tube (1), the capsule having holes at its extremities (7,8) which admit airflow. The airflow causes the powder contained inside the capsule to be surprisingly transported to the capsule extremity contrary to the direction of inhalation, that is towards the air entry holes in the capsule, and then to form an aerosol until all powder has been removed from the capsule or chamber through the tube (1), the during of inhalation being chiefly regulated by the size and proportion of the capsule holes. The tube (1) has air inlets downstream of the capsule to permit a balanced airflow that will transport the finely suspended powder into the lungs, maximizing the fraction of medicament deposited therein.

Abstract: Apparatus having a substrate having a planar conductive plating located on a first surface of a dielectric layer and having a conductive trace (a collection trace) located on a second surface of the dielectric layer such that the conducting plating and the conductive trace have a parallel, spaced-apart relation. The conductive trace is charged by supplying a voltage to the plating and the trace to establish a voltage differential across the dielectric layer. As such, depending upon the magnitude of the voltage, polarity of the voltage and the duration for which the voltage is applied to the trace, a certain quantity and polarity of charge accumulates on the trace. The material to be deposited is charged to an opposite polarity than that of the trace and then the deposition material is applied to the trace. Consequently, the substrate electrostatically retains the deposition material on the collection trace.

Abstract: An inhaler type medicine administering device comprises a generally cylindrical inhaling piece including a holder accommodating section located at one side of the inhaling piece, and an inhaling mouth located at the other side of the inhaling piece. A generally cylindrical capsule holder is disposed in the holder accommodating section and formed with a capsule accommodating hole which opens at one end of the capsule holder. A capsule is to be disposed in the capsule accommodating hole. First and second pin insertion holes are formed in the capsule holder and the inhaling piece and respectively located to be connected with axially opposite sections of the capsule accommodating hole. Each pin insertion hole extends generally in a diametrical direction of the inhaling piece and the capsule holder. An air flow passage is axially formed at at least one of an inner peripheral surface of the inhaling piece and an outer peripheral surface of the capsule holder.

Abstract: In an inhaler for powdered drugs, flat carriers are used which have regular microstructures between which the powder for inhalation is embedded.

Abstract: An administering device capable of quantitatively spraying a multi-dose of powdered medicine includes a device body (1), a storage chamber (3) detachably provided in the device body, the storage chamber (3) being capable of storing powdered medicine, the amount of which corresponds to a plurality of administering operations, an accommodation chamber (10) capable of accommodating powdered medicine, the amount of which corresponds to a single administering operation, and a medicine dispensing rotor (6) movably attached to the device body. The medicine dispensing rotor communicates the accommodation chamber with the storage chamber at a charging position (3a) and communicates the accommodation chamber with the outside of the device body at an administering position (5a) so that the powdered medicine in the accommodation chamber can be administered. A cap (20) is provided for moving the medicine dispensing rotor between the charging position and the administering position.

Abstract: A needleless syringe having a membrane which is ruptured by gas pressure to generate a supersonic gas flow in which particles containing a therapeutic agent are injected. This provides effective transdermal delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A device for the administration by inhalation of a medicament in powdered form comprises a medicament reservoir (3) and metering means for dispensing a dose of medicament from the reservoir (3), characterized in that the reservoir (3) comprises a compacted body of powdered medicament (10) and the metering means includes means (11) for abrading the compacted body (10).

Abstract: An improved inhaler and medicated packet which uses a patient's breath to send powdered medication into the oral cavity of the patient. The inhaler is reusable and controls both the rate of airflow inside the chamber and prevents the patient from blowing into the inhaler. Disposable medicated packets are inserted into the inhaler. These medicated packets have preformed holes which pass air through the packet and entrain the medication. One inhaler can be used numerous times for numerous different types of medication. These medicated packets have a removable, protective layer to maintain the sterility and dryness of the measured dose of medication. In operation, the medication is transported from the packet, through the inhaler, and into the patient. The medicated packets are transparent on one side to allow the patient to observe if the medication has been completely delivered.

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.