Aerosols=

Question 1

Define Aerosols

Answer 1

Dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas

Question 2

Define fine particle mass

Answer 2

refers to a particulate matter with a diameter of less than 5 micrometers. They are small enough to enter and deposit into the lungs and exert its action

Question 3

Define aerodynamic diameter

Answer 3

describes how the particles behave when airborne

Question 4

Outline 3 advantages of aerosols

Answer 4

1. Avoids the GI tract. The tract has a low pH, and enzymes that can potentially degrade drug particles leading to reduced absorption and efficacy.
2. Avoids 1st pass metabolism in the liver
3. Portable and non-invasive

Question 5

Outline 3 limitations of aerosols

Answer 5

1. Throat irritation risk
2. If there is a presence of a respiratory disease, It can increase volume of mucus which affects drug deposition and absorption
3. Correct usage of aerosol is important for efficient delivery

Question 7

List the 5 main mechanisms that illustrate the area of deposition of the aerosols in the human airway

Answer 7

1. Inertial impaction
   - promotes oropharyngeal deposition (deposition in pharynx)
   - occurs with particle sizes of more than 3 micrometers
2. Gravitational sedimentation
   - airway deposition
   - 1-3 micrometres
3. Gravitational Sedimentation and Diffusion ‘
   - airway and alveolar deposition
   - less than 1 micrometer
4. Electrostatic attraction
   - occurs with small sized particles carrying a large amount of charge (i.e. 0.5 micrometers with more than 200 elementary charges)
5. Interception
   - important for elongated particles

Question 8

How are drugs contained in an asthma puffer (i.e. metered dose inhaler)? and which additional compounds are added

Answer 8

1. The drug is in a suspension or a solution
2. The MDI also contains propellents (i.e. chemical compounds)

Question 9

What occurs when propellents have a very low BP

Answer 9

When released from inhaler it will evaporate almost instantaneously

Question 10

What happens if formulation has a high vapour pressure?

Answer 10

The drug is released into the mouth at a very high velocity so quicker inertial impaction

Question 11

Outline how air-jet nebulisers work

Answer 11

1. Compressed air travels upwards through a narrow tube forming a high speed stream
2. The stream is directed at the liquid medication
3. liquid turns into droplets
4. Droplets form a fine mist
5. Mist is released into a mouthpiece then inhaled

Question 12

Outline the framework of formulating a research question

Answer 12

1. Identify the problem and or patient (P)
2. Define the intervention (I)
3. Consider the comparison (C)
4. Define the outcome (O)

Question 13

Provide an example research question.

Answer 13

In a 72 year old women with osteoarthritis (problem/patient), can COX-2 inhibitor use (I) decrease the risk of GI Bleeding (O) compared with other NSAIDS (C)

Question 14

Function of goblet cells and ciliated epithelia

Answer 14

• GB cells produce mucus which traps foreign particles
• Epithelia beat upwards which transports trapped particles upwards for elimination