What is the primary advantage of dry powder inhalers (DPIs)?

What is the primary advantage of dry powder inhalers (DPIs)?

• A. Coordination of patient actuation with inspiration
• B. Requires spacer
• C. Delivers continuous aerosol
• D. Requires humidified gas

Answer: (A)

DPIs are breath-activated devices, so the medication is released by the act of inhaling rather than requiring the patient to press a canister at the exact moment of inhalation. This removes the need to coordinate actuation with inspiration, reducing a common source of technique error seen with other inhalers. Keep in mind, though, that you still need a strong inhalation to deaggregate the powder and carry the dose into the lungs. DPIs don’t use spacers, don’t deliver a continuous aerosol, and don’t require humidified gas.

DPIs are breath-activated devices, so the medication is released by the act of inhaling rather than requiring the patient to press a canister at the exact moment of inhalation. This removes the need to coordinate actuation with inspiration, reducing a common source of technique error seen with other inhalers.

Keep in mind, though, that you still need a strong inhalation to deaggregate the powder and carry the dose into the lungs. DPIs don’t use spacers, don’t deliver a continuous aerosol, and don’t require humidified gas.