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Spacer Devices for Asthma Inhalers
Aka: Spacer Devices for Asthma Inhalers, Aerochamber, Optihaler, Inhaler Spacer, MDI Spacer
- Efficacy
- MDIs require spacers for adequate efficacy
- Without a spacer device, more drug deposits on pharynx
- Spacer increases efficacy and decreases side effects
- Significantly improves dose delivery to Bronchi
- Less systemic absorption with spacer use
- Options
- Commercially available spacer
- Price varies widely ($4 to >$30)
- Low cost spacers are as effective as expensive ones
- See Homemade spacers below
- Homemade spacer
- Plastic water bottle (500 cc) sealed
- As effective as commercial spacer
- Polystyrene cup (200 cc)
- Not as effective as plastic water bottle
- References
- Zar (1999) Lancet 354(9183):979-82