Bioavailability of inhaled fluticasone propionate via chambers/masks in young children

Eur Respir J. 2012 Jan;39(1):97-103. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00185510. Epub 2011 Sep 20.

Abstract

We determined lung bioavailability of a fluticasone propionate (FP) pressurised metred-dose inhaler (Flovent HFA; GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) administered via AeroChamber Plus (Monaghan Medical, Plattsburgh, NY, USA) with Facemask and Babyhaler (GlaxoSmithKline) valved holding chambers (VHCs) using a population pharmacokinetic approach. Children from 1 to <4 yrs of age with stable asthma but a clinical need for inhaled corticosteroid therapy were administered 88 μg FP hydrofluoroalkane (2 × 44 μg) twice daily delivered through the two devices in an open-label, randomised crossover manner for 8 days each. Patients were randomised to one of three sparse sampling schedules for blood collection throughout the 12-h dosing interval on the 8th day of each treatment for pharmacokinetic analysis. The area under the FP plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was determined for each regimen. 17 children completed the study. The population mean AUC following FP with AeroChamber Plus with Facemask was 97.45 pg·h·mL(-1) (95% CI 85.49-113.32 pg·h·mL(-1)) and with Babyhaler was 51.55 pg·h·mL(-1) (95% CI 34.45-64.46 pg·h·mL(-1)). The relative bioavailability (Babyhaler/AeroChamber Plus) was 0.53 (95% CI 0.30-0.75). Clinically significant differences in lung bioavailability were observed between the devices. VHCs are not interchangeable, as differences in drug delivery to the lung may occur. A population pharmacokinetic approach can be used to determine lung bioavailability of FP.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Androstadienes / administration & dosage*
  • Androstadienes / pharmacokinetics
  • Area Under Curve
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Biological Availability
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bronchodilator Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Fluticasone
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lung / drug effects
  • Male
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Androstadienes
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Fluticasone