What are dry powder inhalers (DPIs)?

From the Guidelines

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are breath-activated devices used to deliver medication directly to the lungs for treating respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. These devices contain medication in powder form that is inhaled through the mouthpiece when the patient takes a deep, forceful breath. Common medications delivered via DPIs include corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), and bronchodilators such as salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil) 1. Combination medications are also available, such as fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) and budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort). To use a DPI correctly, patients should exhale fully away from the device, place the mouthpiece between their lips, and inhale deeply and forcefully to pull the medication into the lungs. Unlike metered-dose inhalers, DPIs don't require coordination with pressing and breathing, making them easier for some patients to use. However, they do require sufficient inspiratory flow, which may be challenging for young children, elderly patients, or those experiencing severe respiratory distress. DPIs should be stored in a dry place as moisture can cause the powder to clump, and patients should rinse their mouth after using steroid-containing DPIs to prevent oral thrush. The environmental impact of DPIs is also a consideration, as they have a lower carbon footprint compared to metered-dose inhalers, making them a more sustainable option for patients with respiratory conditions 1.

Some key points to consider when using DPIs include:

• Ensuring proper inhalation technique to maximize medication delivery
• Storing DPIs in a dry place to prevent moisture from affecting the powder
• Rinsing the mouth after using steroid-containing DPIs to prevent oral thrush
• Considering the environmental impact of DPIs compared to other inhaler options
• Selecting DPIs based on patient preference, cost, and clinical course, as well as environmental considerations 1.

Overall, DPIs are a effective and convenient option for delivering medication to patients with respiratory conditions, and their use should be considered in the context of individual patient needs and environmental sustainability.

From the FDA Drug Label

Wixela Inhub 100/50 is supplied as a disposable grey colored plastic dry powder inhaler containing two foil sealed discs, providing a total of 60 pre-metered doses. Wixela Inhub 250/50 is supplied as a disposable grey colored plastic dry powder inhaler containing two foil sealed discs, providing a total of 60 pre-metered doses. Wixela Inhub 500/50 is supplied as a disposable grey colored plastic dry powder inhaler containing two foil sealed discs, providing a total of 60 pre-metered doses.

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) are devices that deliver medication in the form of a dry powder, as seen in the Wixela Inhub products, which are supplied as disposable grey colored plastic dry powder inhalers containing two foil sealed discs, providing a total of 60 pre-metered doses 2.

• The Wixela Inhub products are examples of DPIs.
• They contain a dry powder formulation of the medication.
• They are designed to deliver a pre-metered dose of the medication when used correctly.

From the Research

Definition and Characteristics of Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)

• Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are devices used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• DPIs have several advantages over traditional pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), including being breath-actuated, easy to use, convenient, and more environmentally friendly 4, 7.
• The performance of DPIs is affected by the inhalation maneuver used by the patient, and each type of DPI has its unique dose preparation routine 5.

Types and Features of DPIs

• Multidose reservoir-type DPIs have been developed to efficiently deliver a wide range of medications, including fixed-dose combinations 4, 6, 7.
• The Easyhaler is a type of DPI that shares a similar shape with pMDIs and has a consistent dose emission irrespective of the inhalation flow used by each patient 4, 7.
• DPIs can provide reliable dosing and robustness under real-life stress conditions, making them a durable option for the management of asthma and COPD 4.

Clinical Benefits and Safety of DPIs

• DPIs have been shown to provide significant clinical benefits in patients with persistent asthma, including improved lung function and asthma symptom scores 6.
• The safety profile of DPIs is consistent with the drug classes used, and they are generally well-tolerated by patients 6.
• DPIs can be used to deliver a variety of medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists, making them a versatile option for the treatment of respiratory diseases 3, 4, 6, 7.