Objectives: The formulation of a clarithromycin (CLA) pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) solution formulation opens up exciting therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of inflammation in chronic obstructive lung diseases. In this study we have formulated and tested a low dose macrolide formulation of CLA for treatment of inflammation and studied its physico-chemical and aerosol properties.
Methods: The system was characterised for in vitro aerosol performance using an Anderson cascade impactor. Short-term chemical and physical stability was assessed by dose content uniformity over a range of temperatures. Standard physico-chemical characteristics were also investigated using scanning electron microscopy, thermo analysis and laser diffraction techniques.
Results and discussion: The formulation had a relatively high fine particle fraction (47%) and produced a particle size distribution suitable for inhalation drug delivery. Particles had an irregular morphology and were predominately amorphous. Furthermore, the short-term stability showed the formulation to be stable from 4-37°C.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility of formulating a solution-based pMDI containing of CLA for the treatment of lung inflammatory diseases.