Turbuhaler: a new powder inhaler for administration of drugs to the airways.

A metered-dose powder inhaler system has been developed. It is a multidose system that is easy to load and handle for the patient and that does not demand coordination between activation and inhalation. In addition, the new inhaler system is free of propellants, carriers, and other drug additives. Terbutaline sulfate has been selected as a suitable compound for evaluation of this inhaler. Clinical tests with the Turbuhaler have been performed and it has been compared with the conventional terbutaline pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The new powder inhaler can even be used at low inspiratory flow rates such as those present during acute asthma attacks.