Drug delivery method and inhalation device therefor
First Claim
1. A method of administering a drug through a patient'"'"'s breathing passage for absorption on the mucous tissue of the patient which comprises:
- (a) introducing a aerosol containing a predetermined amount of said drug into an expanded collapsible bag of fixed maximum dimension having means for communicating the aerosolized drug with a breathing passage of the patient and being otherwise substantially impervious to the passage of air;
(b) collapsing said expanded bag while said means for communicating with a breathing passage is in position to deliver said aerosolized drug into the breathing passage of the patient, wherein said collapsing of said expanded bag takes place through inhalation by said patient, and wherein said patient is given a signal when the maximum desired rate of inhalation is reached;
whereby the predetermined dosage of said drug is delivered to said mucous tissue in a manner substantially without absorption of said drug via the gastrointestinal tract.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for administering a drug through a breathing passage for absorption on the mucous tissue of a patient includes introducing an aerosol of the drug into an expanded bag and bidirectional channel for communicating the drug with the breathing passage of the patient and otherwise is substantially impervious to the passage of air, collapsing the expanded bag while the bidirectional channel for communicating with the breathing passage is in position to deliver the drug into the breathing passage of the patient. A signal in a bidirectional channel indicates when the rate of passage of the drug exceeds a desirable limit, whereby the patient taking the drug is reminded to decrease the rate of collapse of the airbag, thereby maximizing drug utilization. The drug delivery device admits a drug-containing aerosol through a drug introduction opening while the collapsible airbag is at least partially expanded, the drug being introduced into the breathing passage with the contraction of the collapsible airbag.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of administering a drug through a patient'"'"'s breathing passage for absorption on the mucous tissue of the patient which comprises:
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(a) introducing a aerosol containing a predetermined amount of said drug into an expanded collapsible bag of fixed maximum dimension having means for communicating the aerosolized drug with a breathing passage of the patient and being otherwise substantially impervious to the passage of air; (b) collapsing said expanded bag while said means for communicating with a breathing passage is in position to deliver said aerosolized drug into the breathing passage of the patient, wherein said collapsing of said expanded bag takes place through inhalation by said patient, and wherein said patient is given a signal when the maximum desired rate of inhalation is reached; whereby the predetermined dosage of said drug is delivered to said mucous tissue in a manner substantially without absorption of said drug via the gastrointestinal tract. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A drug delivery device for administering a drug contained in an aerosol to a breathing passage of a patient for absorption on the mucous tissue of the patient which comprises
(a) a collapsible airbag of fixed maximum dimensions which is impervious to passage of air except for an airbag opening; -
(b) a piece having one end adapted for communication with the breathing passage and connected by a bidirectional channel through said piece to the opposite end thereof to said airbag opening, said piece having a drug introduction opening for the introduction of an aerosol spray containing a predetermined amount of a drug, said drug introduction opening disposed such that said aerosol spray is introduced directly into said airbag through said piece and said airbag opening, in a direction away from said one end; and (c) signal means in said bidirectional channel to indicate when the rate of inhalation of said aerosol spray from said airbag exceeds a desirable limit, whereby the patient taking said drug is reminded to decrease the rate of collapse of said airbag, thereby maximizing drug utilization; said drug delivery device admitting a drug-containing aerosol through said drug introduction opening while said collapsible airbag is at least partially expanded, said drug being introduced into said the breathing passage with the contraction of said collapsible airbag through inhalation by said patient. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification