Airomir Autohaler

Question 1

What type of breath actuated inhaler is the Autohaler and how is this inhaler different to a standard MDI inhaler?

Answer 1

• Breath actuated aerosol

* Inhaling triggers the actuation of the device

Question 2

Which 2 patient groups may benefit from using an Autohaler and why?

Answer 2

• Children and the elderly

Question 3

What is the function of the release slide on the bottom of the Autohaler and when should the patient use this?

Answer 3

• To release a puff when required

Question 4

Does the Autohaler require a propellant? Explain your answer.

Answer 4

• yes, because a propellant is required in an aerosol in solution or suspension
• contains 2 HFAs because otherwise the medication would not reach the lungs by just breathing

Question 5

Can this inhaler be used with a spacer device to aid with dose delivery of the drug? Explain your answer.

Answer 5

• No, because the spacer is not needed, breath actuated MDIs already remove the need for coordination so a spacer would be redundant

Question 6

What is the function of oleic acid and ethanol in the Autohaler?

Answer 6

• Oleic acid – surfactant to aid wetting for drug in suspension for aerosol
• Ethanol – cosolvent to aid dissolution in solutions for aerosol