Subscribe Log in

Log in

Remember me. [?]
Forgotten password
Not got an account?

Subscribe or register here

Toggle navigation
Student BMJ
Search
  • News & views
    • At a glance >>
    • Life
    • Briefings
    • Research explained
    • Views
    • People
  • Clinical
    • Practical skills
    • Clinical reviews
    • Ethics & law
    • Picture quizzes
    • Junior doctor survival kit
  • Specialties
    • Cardiology
    • Emergency medicine
    • Gastroenterology
    • General practice
    • General Surgery
    • Geriatric medicine
    • Neurology
    • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
    • Paediatrics
    • Psychiatry
    • Radiology
    • Respiratory
  • Careers
    • Career planning
    • A career in...
    • Electives
    • Foundation programme
    • Careers advice
  • Applying to medical school
    • At a glance >>
    • Application timeline
    • Considering medicine
    • Medical School Selector
    • Work experience
    • Personal statement
    • Entrance exams
    • Interviews
    • Plan B
    • Graduate entry medicine
    • Mediprep course
  • Subscribe

ABC of asthma; Methods of delivering drugs

By: John Rees

This article is adapted from the 5th edition of the ABC of Asthma in Adults, which will be published at the end of the year and will be available from www.hammicksbma.com

Various inhaler devices and formulations have been developed to deliver drugs efficiently, minimise side effects, and simplify use. With the range of devices available nearly all patients can take drugs by inhalation. All the available devices used appropriately can provide adequate drug to the airways. Inhalers should not be prescribed without checking that the patient can use the device satisfac torily. This should be rechecked on subsequent visits as errors can develop and interfere with treatment. Some drugs, such as leukotriene receptor antagonists and theophylline, cannot be given by inhalation.

Inhalers deliver the drug directly to the airways. Even when a metered dose inhaler is used properly, however, only about 10% of the drug reaches the airways below the

To read the rest of this article log in or subscribe to Student BMJ.

If you're not ready to subscribe yet you can access News & views for free or register with us to receive free updates on our latest content.

Log in Subscribe
  • Most viewed
  • What's new

Stay in touch

  • Register for email alerts

Contact us

  • Contact us
  • Advertisers and sponsors
  • Media

About Student BMJ

  • About us
  • Join the BMA
  • Subscribe
  • Write for Student BMJ
  • Review articles for Student BMJ
  • The BMJ
  • The Student BMJ scholarship
  • Request permissions
  • Sitemap

Terms and Conditions

  • Website T&Cs
  • Medical School Selector T&Cs
  • Privacy policy

© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2018. All rights reserved.