Clinical experimentation with aerosol antibiotics: current and future methods of administration.

Currently almost all antibiotics are administered by the intravenous route. Since several systems and situations require more efficient methods of administration, investigation and experimentation in drug design has produced local treatment modalities. Administration of antibiotics in aerosol form is one of the treatment methods of increasing interest. As the field of drug nanotechnology grows, new molecules have been produced and combined with aerosol production systems. In the current review, we discuss the efficiency of aerosol antibiotic studies along with aerosol production systems. The different parts of the aerosol antibiotic methodology are presented. Additionally, information regarding the drug molecules used is presented and future applications of this method are discussed.

Introduction

Currently most antibiotics are administered via the intravenous route.1 However, it has been observed in clinical practice that there are several situations where the necessary concentration of the administered antibiotic is not reached in the target tissue/system. A clear example of this clinical situation where optimal antibiotic concentrations are necessary is bone infection. Local antibiotic administration using a system able to achieve higher antibiotic concentrations locally increases local disease control.2 Pulmonary infection is another situation where antibiotics need to reach high concentrations locally.3 In addition, in most pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis, the defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract are operating subnormally.4 These defense mechanisms can be summarized as beating cilia, mucus, the cough reflex, and local macrophages. In the event of malfunction of these defense mechanisms, it is easy for microorganisms that colonize the lung parenchyma to proliferate and cause infection. There are several factors affecting the efficient deposition of an aerosolized pharmaceutical, including: the flow rate produced;5–8 design of the residual cup;9 residual cup loading;10,11 residual cup filling at the start of drug administration;10 tapping of the residual cup during nebulization;12 charge on the drug molecules;13 environment of the respiratory tract (humidity >99% and airways temperature 37°C); chemical structure of droplets;14 droplet size produced (<5 μm);15 viscosity; surface tension; and concentration of the drug solution.16 In order for the aerosol to reach the distal airways, the maximum droplet size produced must not exceed 5 μm. It has been observed that, due to the respiratory tract environment (>99% humidity and 37°C), chemical structure, and concentration of salts, the molecules of the aerosol increase in size between 25% to 50% of the original produced size.17 The increased flow rate is responsible for reducing the nebulization time.5,8,12 Several authors have also proposed refilling of the residual cup when the solution volume reaches half of the initial value in order to produce droplets <5 μm in size. The number of fillings should not exceed two, because the concentration of the drug solution will drop significantly.17 Moreover; the lung parenchyma, if extended, measures 100 m2, and is actually a huge membrane where oxygen enters the circulation through the small vessels surrounding the alveoli.18 Underlying respiratory disease or opportunistic infection will negatively affect distribution of the aerosol. However, from our experience with inhaled insulin, the available information indicates that aerosol therapy can still be administered, but the dose should be changed and closer monitoring of the relevant laboratory values is necessary.19

New recently published insights regarding aerosol antibiotics in patients with underlying respiratory disease or opportunistic infection indicate that local administration has an immunomodulatory effect and that the inflammatory response to the infection is kept to a minimum.20 Tracheal and alveolar macrophages remain active, and the inflammation associated with the infection is kept under control at the same time.21 Another reason why we would like to be able to administer antibiotics locally is that the antibiotic solution undergoes minimal systemic metabolism when administered via this route. In a number of cases, the intravenously administered dose has to be reduced because of impaired renal or liver function. It has been previously observed that aerosol antibiotic treatment is also efficient when lower antibiotic drug concentration is administered.22–26 Several aerosol antibiotics are currently approved, including tobramycin,26–33 aztreonam lysine,34–40 and colistimethate sodium,41–46 and other new formulations are under development, including polymyxins,47 aminoglycosides,48–53 fluoroquinolones,54,55 and fosfomycin.56 Several respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, show changes in parameters of the respiratory system, eg, sputum viscosity. Novel nanomolecules bypassing these obstacles to distribution have been reported.57,58 In the current mini-review, published clinical trials, new information regarding aerosol production systems,48,57,59–63 and novel nanoformulations58,64–72 are discussed.

Search methods

We performed an electronic article search using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Medscape, and Scopus databases, using combinations of the following search terms: “aerosol antibiotics”, “aerosol nanoparticles”, “aerosol production”, and “aerosol antibiotic studies”. All types of articles (randomized controlled trials, clinical observational cohort studies, review articles, case reports) were included. Selected references from the articles identified were searched further, with no language restrictions.

Fosfomycin/tobramycin

The study by Trapnell et al56 screened 162 patients, of whom 121 completed the trial. The mean patient age was 32 years and two different drug combinations were administered, ie, 160/40 mg and 80/20 mg. The administration system was an eFlow® nebulizer system (PARI Pharma GmbH, Starnberg, Germany). Safety and efficiency were recorded using spirometry, the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R), and recording of adverse effects in the respiratory tract. Upon inclusion in the protocol, patients were stratified according to their performance on spirometry, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was required to be present in expectorated sputum, in previous examinations. Two major points regarding treatment should be noted. First, all patients received bronchodilation before administration of the aerosol antibiotic independently of their regular inhalation therapy. Second, there were 12 hospitalizations due to disease exacerbation after aerosol administration according to the treating physician. Major positive results included a relative increase in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), lower sputum P. aeruginosa density on the 80/20 mg dose, and fewer adverse effects on this dose. No major therapeutic differences were observed between the two groups56 (Table 1).

Table 1

Aerosol studies with tobramycin, amikacin, and gentamicin

Reference	Drug	Subjects	Production system	Result	Dosage	LFTs	Major adverse effects
Ramsey et al27	Tobramycin	663 patientsMean age 21 years	PARI LCPlus and Pulmo-Aide	↑FEV1, decreased sputum PA density, fewer hospitalizations	300 mg inhaled tobramycin or placebo, 24 weeks	FEV1	Tinnitus, voice alteration and pneumothorax
Stelmach et al73	Tobramycin	6–18 years	–	Improved body mass index, reduced FEV1 decline over 2 years, delayed X-ray disease progression	300 mg inhaled tobramycin 28 days on and 28 days off drug, 2 years	FEV1	No major adverse effects reported
Murphy et al30	Tobramycin	184 patients recruited and 63 completed the 56-week evaluation	PARI LCPlus and Pulmo-AideDeVilbiss	Increased FEF25–75 by8%, weight increase in both groups, fewer adverse events on aerosol tobramycin, fewer concomitant antibiotics	300 mg inhaled tobramycin<br/>28 days on and 28 days off drug, 56 weeks	FEV1, FVC, FEF25–75 SaO2	Cough, sore throat, sneeze, dizziness, pharyngitis, tinnitus, conjunctival hyperemia
McCoy et al37	Tobramycin Aztreonam lysinate	≥6 yearsFirst step, 246 enrolledSecond step, 21 1 enrolledMean age 26.2 years	PARI LCPlus and eFlow nebulizer system	CFQ-R and FEV1 increase after AZLI and delayed time to inhaled or intravenous antibiotic administration after AZLI	300 mg twice daily, 28 days<br/>75 mg twice or three times daily, 28 days	FEV,	6 patients, > 15% FEV1 reduction
Hodson et al43	Tobramycin Colistin	≥6 years, 115 patients	PARI LCPlus and Ventstream	FEV1 increase in the TOBI Group, and GRCQ improvement in TOBI group	TOBI 300 mg twice daily<br/>Colistin 80 mg twice daily1 month plus an additional 4 weeks of follow-up	FEV1	Pharyngitis, 17 patients, ≥ 10% decrease after aerosol administration
Geller et al26	Tobramycin	523 patients, >6 years, Mean age 21 years	PARI LCPlus and Pulmo-AideDeVilbiss	Efficient deposition, low plasma concentration, increased sputum MIC	300 mg twice daily<br/>28 days, 24 weeks	FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio	–
Moss et al28,25	Tobramycin	128 patients	PARI LCPlus and Pulmo-AdeDeVilbiss	Increase in FEV1 correlated with reduction in sputum PA density	300 mg, 96 weeks	FEV1	–
Briesacher et al74	Tobramycin	804 patients	–	Decreased days of hospitalization with more than four cycles of administration	2001–2006 data	–	–
Geller et al49	Tobramycin, both aerosol and dry powder	90 randomized	PARI LCPLUS and Pulmo-AideDeVilbiss and T-326 DPI	Efficient pharmacokinetic evaluation of dry powder	300 mg aerosol and four capsules =112 mg equivalent to 300 mg of aerosol tobramycin	FEV1	Cough, dysgeusia, decline of FEV, after both aerosol and dry powder administration
Konstan et al; EVOLVE trial75	Tobramycin dry powder	102 patients	T-326 DPI	Increase in FEV1 reduction in sputum PA density	Four capsules = 112 mg	FEV1	Cough, sore throat, pyrexia
Konstan et al; EAGER Trial50	Aerosol tobramycin versus light-porous particle, dry powder	≥6 years, 553 randomized	PARI LCPlus and Pulmo-AideDeVilbiss and T-326 DPI	Equal increase in FEV1, higher reduction in sputum PA density in TIP, higher treatment satisfaction in TIP group, TSQM	300 mg aerosol and four capsules =112 mg × 2 equivalent to 300 mg aerosol tobramycin 3 × 28 days	FEV1	Cough, dysphonia, dysgeusia, bronchospasm, equal in both groups, 5.2% TIP and 5.3% TIS
Bhavsar et al76	Human lysozyme, tobramycin	PA	Misty-Ox Nebulizer	Three groups: 60 mg rhLZ, 5 μg ΤBΜΝ, 60 mg rhLZ	Reduced PA density and inflammatory index	–	–
Parkins et al62	TOBI dry powder	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Geller et al26	TOBI dry powder	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Trapnell et al56	Fosfomycin/tobramycin	162 CF patients screened121 completed≥ 18 years, mean 32 years	eFlow nebulizer system (PARI)	↑FEV1, ↑CFQ-R, fewer symptoms with 80/20 mg	160/40 mg or 80/20 mg placebo, 28 days, twice daily	FEV1	Cough, dyspnea, wheezing less common with 80/20 mg
Newman et al116	Gentamicin	Eight nebulizers from each brand	BirdMicronebuliserDeVilbiss 646Bard InspironMini-Neb, Medic-AidUpmist	The higher the flow rate the smaller the MMAD and shorter the nebulization time	–	–	–
Safdar et al82	Amikacin	9 patients Case series	Jet nebulizer	8 of 9 patients were efficiently treated	Amikacin 100 mg per 3 mL (intravenously) twice daily	–	Throat irritation, bitter taste, hoarseness of voice
Aquino et al78	Gentamicin dry powder	CuFi-1	Single-stage glass impinge and Turbospin®	Efficient manufacturing of gentamicin capsules	Storage stability	–	–
Ghannam et al77	Gentamicin, amikacin, Colistin, tobramycin	VAP pneumonia	Jet nebulizer	Efficient VAP pneumonia resolution in 81% aerosol versus 31%	Amikacin (100 mg/3 mL)Colistin (75 mg/4 mL)Gentamicin (40 mg/mL)Tobramycin (30 mg/5 mL)	–	–
Alhanout et al108	ASD and tobramycin	PA and SA	PARI LCPlus eFlow	For ASD, MIC remained the same after mucin addition MMAD <5 μm	ASD 2–10 mg/mL	–	–
Meers et al53	Liposomal amikacin	Animal	12-port nose-only inhalation chamber, PAI LCStar	Sustained release of liposomal amikacin based on supernatants	20 mg/mL	–	–

Abbreviations: FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC, forced vital capacity; FEF25–75, forced expiratory flow during middle half of forced vital capacity; SaO2, oxygen saturation; CFQ-R, Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised; TOBI, inhaled tobramycin solution; AZLI, aztreonam lysinate; PA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; TIP, inhaled tobramycin powder; TIS, inhaled tobramycin solution; TSQM, Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication; DPI, dry powder; MMAD, mass median aerodynamic diameter; CuFi-1, human airway epithelial (HAE) cell line; SA, Staphylococcus aureus; VAP, ventilation-associated pneumonia; ASD, aminosterol derivative; MIC, minimum inhibitory concentration; LFTs, lung function tests.

Tobramycin alone

Inhaled tobramycin was administered as 300 mg twice daily in a multicenter, placebo-controlled, 24-week study. Once again, changes in FEV1 and sputum P. aeruginosa density were recorded, along with adverse effects. Administration of the aerosol was performed using two nebulizers, ie, the LC Plus® jet nebulizer (PARI Pharma GmbH) and the Pulmo-Aide compressor (DeVilbiss, Glendale Heights, IL, USA). The patients were again stratified according to FEV1 and sputum P. aeruginosa density. In addition, the patients were instructed to wear nose clips and perform normal tidal breathing. The patients needed to have a previous record of P. aeruginosa in their sputum. The results showed a 10% increase in FEV1 at week 20 and a mean decrease in sputum P. aeruginosa density of 0.8 log10 colony-forming units. The adverse effects recorded were tinnitus and voice alteration, but these were not severe enough to warrant cessation of aerosol administration. Pneumothorax was observed in one patient. Most importantly, fewer hospitalizations were observed in the group receiving aerosolized tobramycin.27 Another small uncontrolled study in 12 patients recorded height, weight, chest X-ray (Brasfield score) and FEV1. After 2 years of administration of inhaled tobramycin 300 mg twice daily (28 days on and 28 days off), the decline in FEV1 (∆) decreased, body mass index increased, and radiologic disease progression was again decreased.73

In a study by Murphy et al,30 184 patients were enrolled to receive aerosolized tobramycin 300 mg twice daily administered with the LC Plus jet nebulizer and a Pulmo-Aide compressor for 56 weeks. Again, administration was performed on a 28-day on and 28-day off cycle. Respiratory functions were recorded, and this study presented additional data regarding forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow during the middle half of forced vital capacity (FEF25–75). The most important observation was an 8% increase in FEF25–75 (an index of small airways function) in the aerosolized tobramycin group. Moreover, fewer hospital admissions and fewer days of hospitalization were observed in the group receiving aerosolized tobramycin. Concomitant antibiotics were administered to fewer patients receiving aerosolized antibiotics (102 days versus 124 days in the control group). Further, both groups showed an increase in body weight, and no severe adverse effects were observed. However, two patients were withdrawn from the study because of severe cough, sneezing, and sore throat related to administration of the aerosol. Hoarseness of voice was also observed in almost all patients receiving aerosolized tobramycin.

The pharmacokinetics of tobramycin were assessed in a 24-week study by Geller et al.26 The main observation was that aerosol deposition was not associated with changes in pulmonary function tests, ie, FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC, as would be expected. It has always been a point of debate whether underlying respiratory disease influences deposition of the aerosol. However, more information is necessary regarding the site of sample collection, ie, from the central or distal airways. Another major point was the low plasma drug concentration and local increase in sputum concentration. The methodology used in this study provides an excellent example of the pharmacokinetic superiority of a local treatment modality.48

In a study by Moss et al,28 a reduction in sputum P. aeruginosa density was associated for the first time with an increase in FEV1. Again, weight gain, increase in FEV1, and reduction in sputum P. aeruginosa density were observed in this long-term 96-week study. Evaluation of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity also indicated no adverse effects other than tinnitus; however, neither of the two patients affected had to discontinue administration of the drug. Patient adherence with tobramycin was associated with cost-effectiveness of therapy and days of hospitalization. It was observed that 804 patients receiving more than four cycles of tobramycin per year (2001–2006 data) had a significant reduction in hospitalization and fewer outpatient service costs. However, higher outpatient prescription drug costs were recorded.74 Tobramycin was evaluated as an aerosol versus a dry powder. Pharmacokinetics were assessed, and major observations were made regarding future development of antibiotic formulations. First, the timing of administration was significantly reduced compared with the 15 minutes required for nebulization. For the first time, the plasma concentration of tobramycin was evaluated until 12 hours after administration. The time taken to reach peak plasma concentration was one hour after administration for both the aerosol and the dry powder. In addition, the area under the curve and peak plasma concentration were detected between subjects receiving 4 × 14 mg and 2 × 28 mg capsules. Moreover, systemic exposure was identical for the 300 mg aerosol and the 112 mg dry powder. One patient had to discontinue administration of the dry powder because of severe cough. However, there was a difference in the decrease in FEV1 of 10%–20% between the aerosol and dry powder formulations. Only one patient had a decrease in FEV1 of 20% and had to discontinue treatment. This study provides valuable data indicating that this new methodology for antibiotic administration should be pursued at least for cystic fibrosis and in patients with respiratory function appropriate for dry powder usage.49 The safety and efficacy of the dry powder formulation of tobramycin was evaluated in the EVOLVE (Tobramycin Inhalation Powder [TIP] for P. aeruginosa Infection in Cystic Fibrosis Subjects) trial. The maximum administration time was 4–6 minutes. The major adverse effects occurring in both the tobramycin and placebo dry powder inhaler groups were cough, sore throat, and pyrexia; however, pyrexia was only related to the dry powder. Again, FEV1 was increased in the dry powder inhaler group and sputum P. aeruginosa density was decreased; this observation was confirmed again when placebo patients were switched to tobramycin by dry powder inhaler.75

In the EAGER (Safety, efficacy and convenience of tobramycin inhalation powder in cystic fibrosis patients) trial,50 inhalation dry powder was evaluated versus inhalation solution. The increase in FEV1 was equal for the two groups at all times of spirometric evaluation. The sputum P. aeruginosa density was observed to be lower in the inhalation dry powder group during the 28 days of cycle 3. Adverse effects and in particular cough were observed to be more severe in the inhalation dry powder group. This finding is attributable to the fact that the dry powder fibers have the one axis increased, so the particles have a linear shape which irritates the respiratory tract epithelium and provokes cough. Information on this issue is not available for this study. Cough was diminished after several administrations of treatment; however, 4% of patients (12/308) in the inhalation dry powder group discontinued treatment in comparison with 1% of patients (2/209) in the inhalation solution group. Bronchospasm (defined as a >20% reduction in FEV1) after administration was observed to be the same in both groups (5.2% inhalation dry powder versus 5.3% inhalation solution). Hearing complaints tended to be intermittent and transient in both groups (0.97% inhalation dry powder versus 0.96% inhalation solution). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tobramycin dry powder was increased on day 28 of cycle 3 in both groups. Finally, it should be mentioned that there were significantly more patients requiring new antipseudomonal antibiotics in the inhalation dry powder group than in the inhalation solution group.62 Greater adherence and satisfaction with treatment were recorded on the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication in the inhalation dry powder group, with a mean administration time of 5.6 minutes versus 19.7 minutes for the inhalation solution group (ie, higher than previously observed75).

In an effort to investigate possible enhancement of tobramycin aerosol administration, human lysozyme was coadministered with tobramycin. It was observed by measuring bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, neutrophils, and lung histopathology samples that human lysozyme had anti-inflammatory properties and enhanced the antibacterial effect of tobramycin.76 Four different antibiotics were administered in the trial by Ghannam et al;77 three of these were prepared from intravenous solutions and were administered in cancer patients with ventilation-associated pneumonia. It was observed that, in comparison with intravenous administration, aerosol administration did not induce renal toxicity and that the ventilation-associated pneumonia resolution rate was 81% in comparison with 31% for intravenous administration (Table 1).

Aztreonam lysinate

The efficiency of an aztreonam lysinate aerosol antibiotic formulation was evaluated in a dose-escalation study. Forty patients were enrolled, including 21 adults and 19 adolescents. The drug formulation was administered using an eFlow nebulizer system; the mass median diameter of the droplets was 3.6 ± 0.1 μm and the geometric standard deviation was 1.6 ± 0.1 μm. The patients were divided into a dose-escalation group (75 mg–150 mg–225 mg) and a placebo group. Pulmonary function tests, ie, FVC, FEV1, and FEF25–75, were evaluated by spirometry. The total study period was 13 days and the administration was performed in a 3-day manner. Only one adolescent patient showed a >20% decrease in FEV1, and the maximum tolerated dose was established at 75 mg. However, for adults, no decrease ≥20% FEV1 was observed in order for the maximum tolerated dose to be determined. The spirometry examination was performed three times, once before aerosol administration, and then 30 minutes and 2 hours after aerosol administration in order to cover all scenarios from early to late airway hyperresponsiveness. Adverse events were recorded using the MedDRA (Medtra (S) Pte Ltd, Singapore) 5.0 classification system. The usual adverse effects were observed, ie, chest tightness, nasal congestion, aggravated cough, and increased sputum, which is expected to be increased when a saline solution is administered. There was a trend towards a numeric increase in adverse effects with an increase in dosage for the adults but not for the adolescents. Again, only one patient had to stop the treatment when the maximum tolerated dose was reached at 75 mg. A very important aspect of this study was the plasma concentration of the drug, which was measurable at one hour and still detectable after 8 hours, indicating sustained drug absorption from the lung parenchyma into the circulation, as previously observed in other studies.23 Additionally, drug concentrations were measurable in the sputum of patients after 10 minutes, and were still detectable 2 and 4 hours after aerosol administration. This study provides excellent information regarding the pharmacokinetics of the aztreonam lysinate aerosol and a methodology via which to evaluate aerosol antibiotics.

The pharmacokinetics of aztreonam lysinate 75 mg and 225 mg were evaluated further in a study of 105 patients by Retsch-Bogart et al.35 Positive results regarding pulmonary function tests were observed after 7 days, and sputum P. aeruginosa density also decreased significantly. The plasma drug levels reached were dose-dependent, as was the sputum aztreonam lysinate concentration. There were no severe adverse effects in any of the patients. This study provides importance evidence regarding a bronchoconstrictive effect that has not been observed before. Specifically, there were patients were they had their FEV1 decreased more than 30% after the aerosol administration and a careful follow-up of 2 hours with spirometry indicating that the pulmonary function returned for these patients to 15% of pretreatment values. However, a similar effect was observed for a patient in the placebo group. Similar adverse effects have been observed with other inhaled therapies, and it is not yet clear whether this is due to the concentration of the drug, its chemical structure, or a background of hyperresponsiveness.23,68 In any case, all these factors play an important role in bronchoconstriction. In addition, patients administered short-acting bronchodilators before treatment had a lower decrease in FEV1. Administration of aztreonam lysinate 75 mg was again evaluated in a 28-day trial. The CFQ-R score was the primary endpoint and the FEV1 increase was the second endpoint. Indeed, an increase in both values was observed, and although decreased after discontinuation of aztreonam lysinate, still remained increased compared with baseline values. Sputum and plasma drug concentrations were again dose-related. A decrease ≥15% was again observed after each inhalation of aztreonam lysinate, with a short-acting bronchodilator administered 15 minutes beforehand.36 Similar results were also observed in a study by Wainwright et al,40 who clearly stated for the first time that aerosol therapy is contraindicated when atelectasis and pleural effusion are present. This has also been shown for other aerosol treatment modalities.19,24 In a study by Oermann et al,38 the 75 mg aztreonam lysinate formulation was administered for 18 months either twice daily or three times daily. Pulmonary function tests, CFQ-R scores, and weight were increased in the three times daily group; however, adverse respiratory effects were observed in 50 patients, and adherence was observed to be slightly lower (4%) in the three times daily group. In any case, better results were observed in the three times daily group. There were fewer hospitalizations and a lower P. aeruginosa density in sputum samples. This was an excellent long-term study presenting the different aspects of administration methodology that can be used and how these influence different aspects of the patient’s clinical situation.

A combination of tobramycin and aztreonam lysinate was administered in a multicenter study in which patients first received tobramycin for 28 days followed by aztreonam lysinate for 28 days. The major positive outcome other than increased FEV1, improvement on CFQ-R, and reduced sputum P. aeruginosa density, was that patients receiving aztreonam lysinate had a delayed time to receiving inhaled or intravenous antibiotics.37 Moreover, a ≥15% reduction in FEV1 was observed in six patients. In a publication following this study, the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa was investigated. Sputum samples were obtained from all patients, and a 30% increase in MIC, a few decreases in P. aeruginosa susceptibility to other antibiotics, and an increase in tobramycin susceptibility was observed39 (Table 2).

Table 2

Aerosol studies with aztreonam lysinate

Reference	Drug	Subjects	Production system	Result	Dosage	LFTs	Major adverse effects
Gibson et al34	Aztreonam lysinate	21 adults and 19 adolescents	eFLOW nebulizer system (PARI)	Efficient drug evaluation, increased sputum and plasma drug levels after inhalation	75 mg/150 mg225 mg	FEV1, FVC, FEF25–75 SaO2	Chest tightness, increased sputum, nasal congestion, aggravated cough, 1 patient >20% FEV1 reduction
Retsch-Bogart et al35	Aztreonam lysinate	105 randomized 14 days	eFLOW nebulizer system (PARI)	Decrease in sputum PA density, increase in FEV1 for AZLI patients in 7 days	75 mg/225 mg/twice daily placebo	FEV1, FVC, FEF25–75<br/>SaO2	Cough, transient decrease in FEV1
Retsch-Bogart et al36	Aztreonam lysinate	≥6 years124 completed	eFLOW nebulizer system (PARI)	CFQ-R-respiratory scores improved and FEV1 improved, weight gain	75 mg/28 days	FEV1	Pulmonary exacerbation
Oermann et al38	Aztreonam lysinate	≥6 years, 195 completedMean age 28.5 years	eFLOW nebulizer system	CFQ-R and FEV1 increase, reduction of sputum PA density	75 mg twice or three times daily, 18 months	FEV1, FVC, FEF25–75	Pyrexia, fatigue, headache, cough, decreased appetite
Oermann et al39	Aztreonam lysinate	≥6 years, 195 completedMean age 28.5 years	eFLOW nebulizer system	30% increase in MIC, increase in tobramycin susceptibility	75 mg twice or three times daily, 18 months	–	–
Wainwright et al40	Aztreonam lysinate	≥6 years157 patients	eFLOW nebulizer system	CFQ-R and FEV, increase, reduction of sputum PA density	75 mg three times daily, 28 days	FEV1	3 patients discontinued due to pulmonary exacerbation, one patient >20% FEV1 reduction
Parkins et al68	AZLI	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review

Abbreviations: FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC, forced vital capacity; FEF25–75, forced expiratory flow during middle half of forced vital capacity; SaO2, oxygen saturation; CFQ-R, Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised; TOBI, inhaled tobramycin solution; AZLI, aztreonam lysinate; PA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; MIC, minimum inhibitory concentration; LFTs, lung function tests.

Gentamicin

Gentamicin solution was nebulized by 32 nebulizers representing four different brands (Bird Micronebulizer®, Bird Corporation, Palm Springs, CA, USA; DeVilbiss 646; Inspiron Mini-Neb®, CR Bard Inc, Covington GA, USA; and Upmist®, Medic-Aid Limited, Bognor Regis, UK). It was observed that the higher the flow rate, the smaller the droplet mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) produced and the shorter the nebulization time. Moreover, the higher the loading in the residual cup, the smaller the MMAD. In addition, the methodology of adding NaCl 0.9% to the residual cup when the concentration was reduced to half of the initial dosage was proposed in order to produce further small droplets <5 μm during aerosol administration. Using this method more than once does not have any additional benefit because the concentration of drug is reduced. Gentamicin has also been investigated as a dry powder formulation with leucine. Leucine was observed to improve the properties of the dry powder formulation of gentamicin. The safety of the formulation was evaluated in CuFi-1 cells, and no adverse effects were observed 24 hours after administration. Leucine improved the dispersibility of the aerosol and modified the surface of the particles. The formulation was stable after 6 months of storage. A new gentamicin alginate microparticle has recently been developed, but needs to be investigated further as an aerosol formulation78 (Table 1).

Colistin

Aerosolized colistin and tobramycin were administered in a randomized clinical study including 115 patients for one month, with an additional 4 weeks of follow-up to compare the safety and effectiveness of the two drugs.43 Fewer adverse airway reactivity effects were observed in the tobramycin solution group (n = 6) than in the colistin group (n = 11). There was also an increase in FEV1 in the tobramycin group, especially in younger patients. However, both groups showed a decrease in sputum P. aeruginosa density, with no difference observed between groups in this regard. FVC was also recorded, but no data regarding changes in FVC were reported because this was not a primary endpoint. The medical condition of the patients was also evaluated using the Global Rating of Change questionnaire,43 and it was observed that patients receiving tobramycin benefited more. In another study by Jensen et al,42 colistin was administered for 3 months versus placebo. A different aerosol production system was used, ie, the Raindrop® (Purian-Bennett Corporation, Overland Park, KS, USA) nebulizing chamber which nebulizes 3 mL in 15 minutes. The decrease in FEV1 and FVC over the 3-month period was lower in the colistin group, and inflammatory markers such as white cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were also marginally decreased. Sputum P. aeruginosa density was also decreased. However, adverse effects, including severe irritating cough and burning sensation on the tongue, were severe enough in three patients to require withdrawal from the study. At this point, we should report a case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to high-dose colistin therapy where the patient had to be intubated. The treatment was stopped after 12 days, and the eosinophil count normalized after 3 days. The patient was efficiently weaned to pressure support mode with minimal pressure support.79

Colistin has been administered as an aerosol in ventilated-associated pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii using an Aeroneb Pro vibrating plate nebulizer (Serogen, Galway, Ireland). The major concern regarding aerosol production was the strict coordination needed on the part of the patient, and therefore additional propofol administration was necessary. Eliminating inspiratory turbulence was necessary for efficient aerosol deposition.80 Pharmacokinetics were also evaluated using blood samples, and it was observed that the colistin concentration was higher on day 3 than on day 2, with no significant difference in this regard between the groups receiving aerosolized colistin with and without additional intravenous antibiotics. Moreover, no airway clearance side effects were observed between the groups. The study by Lu et al81 was one of the first to evaluate aerosol efficiency using computed tomography. Efficiency was observed for both sensitive and resistant strains. The MIC was increased in only two patients (Table 3).

Table 3

Aerosol antibiotic studies with Colistin, amphotericin B, and antituberculosis drugs

Reference	Drug	Subject	Production system	Result	Dosage	LFTs	Major adverse effects
Jensen et al42	Colistin	14.2 mean years	Raindrop	Less decrease in FEV1, FVC with Colistin	One million units twice daily, 3 months/placebo	FEV1, FVC	Coughing, expectoration, rhonchi
Alexander et al72	Liposomal amphotericin B	–	Hudson Updraft, LC Star, Aeroeclipse II, Small Volume nebulizer	PARI LC and Aeroeclipse II	50 mg vials diluted in 12 mL	–	–
Gilani et al69	DC-SA nanomicelles + amphotericin B	Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus Cryptococcus neoformans	HudsonLondon, UK	DC-SA more effective against Cryptococcus neoformans	Amphotericin B alone in water, Fungizone, DC-SA amphotericin B	–	–
Nasr et al66	Amphotericin B Nanoemulsions Intralipid® or Clinoleic®	In vitro evaluationUsing a twin impinger	PARI LCSprint and PARI TurboBoy S compressor	Efficient drug loading and the Clinoleic displayed higher deposition of Amphotericin B in the lower impinge stage	Amphotericin B 25 mg added in 10 mL of Intralipid or Clinoleic nanoemulsions	–	–
Lu et al81	Colistin	165 enrolled with VAP PA and AB	Aeroneb Pro	Clinical cure rate 66% in sensitive strain and 67% in multidrug-resistant strain	400 mg every 8 hours 7–19 days	–	–
Wood et al80	VAPAminoglycosides Colistin	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review	Review
Abdulla et al71	Rifampicin nanoparticles	Formulation evaluation	PARI LCPlus	MMAD <5 μm in any polymer weight ratio, sustained drug release	mPEG2000-DSPE and mPEG5000-DSPE	–	–
Pourshahab et al63	Isoniazid nanoparticles	PA, SA, and MI	DPI inhalation device Cyclohaler	MMAD 10 μm, Sustained drug release	Isoniazid-loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate	–	–
Son et al57	Rifampicin microparticles	Membrane holder method	DPI inhalation device, Aerolizer	MMAD 3.5–4.5 μm	RFDH microcrystals coated PLGA or PLA	–	–
Son et al70	Rifampicin microparticles	Membrane holder method	DPI inhalation device, Aerolizer Handihaler	RFDH MMAD 2.2 μm	RFDH RFAM	–	–
Gonzalez-Juarrero et al101	Isoniazid, capreomycin, and amikacin	Mycobacterium tuberculosis	Intrapulmonary Microsprayer	Efficient for INH in both groups, additionally in spleen for aerosol	Isoniazid, capreomycin and amikacin 500 μg/dose 3 times weekly	–	–
Chan et al64	Isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide	Microparticle dissolution profile	Aerolizer	Efficient, excipient-free triple antibiotic DPI powder	Isoniazid 1.5 mg/mL, rifampicin 3 mg/mL, pyrazinamide 8 mg/mL	–	–
Hraiech et al107	Squalamine, Colistin	PA, rats	Nose-only jet nebulizer (cage)	3 μm MMADSqualamine and 2.8 μm Colistin	160 mg Colistin and 3 mg squalamine 6 days	–	–

Note: Chitosan-stearic acid conjugate.

Abbreviations: FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC, forced vital capacity; AB, Acinetobacter baumannii; VAP, ventilation-associated pneumonia; MMAD, mass median aerodynamic diameter; PA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa; DPI, dry powder inhaler; RFDH, rifampicin dehydrate; PLGA, poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide); PLA, poly (DL-lactide); RFAM, amorphous rifampicin; MI, Mycobacterium intraceiiuiare; LFTs, lung function tests.

Amikacin

The pharmacokinetics of aerosolized liposomal amikacin was evaluated in a rat model and sputum samples from cystic fibrosis patients in comparison with an aerosolized tobramycin formulation. First, it was observed that liposomal amikacin had a sustained release effect locally and in the systemic circulation. One administration was enough for liposomal amikacin levels to be detectable after 3 days. Blood levels detected were 8 (lungs) >2 (kidneys), indicating that local administration enables slow release in the systemic circulation, providing enough time for efficient and safe clearance of the drug. The same concept can be applied to other experimental treatment modalities where large concentrations are needed to reach the target tissue; however, during metabolism of the same concentration in another tissue, such as the liver or kidney, the same concentration may be toxic. In several situations where administering a drug intravenously unnecessarily exposes healthy cells and organs to toxicity, by the time the drug reaches its target tissue, a large concentration of toxic metabolites has already caused damage to normal tissue. The sustained-release effect is associated with the concentration of rhamnolipids, ie, the monorhamnolipid and dirhamnolipid found in P. aeruginosa biofilm which are responsible for release of the amikacin contained in the liposomes. One rhamnolipid molecule is enough for extraction of 100 liposomal amikacin molecules. Additional observations were made regarding penetration of the formulation into sputum from patients with cystic fibrosis. The formulation efficiently penetrated the mucus independent of the size of the liposomes, and it was observed that the liposomes had the ability to modify while penetrating the mucus. Thick mucus is a major problem in patients with cystic fibrosis, and the liposomal formulation demonstrated superiority in comparison with aerosolized tobramycin with regard to penetration of this thick mucus. Reduction of sputum P. aeruginosa density was greater in comparison with that achieved using aerosol tobramycin in this study, and bacteria were undetectable after administration of liposomal amikacin in several animals. Penetration of liposomal amikacin was also observed to be higher at the site of infection and subsequently at the site where the P. aeruginosa population was highest within sputum. Finally, it was observed that alternate day dosing of the formulation is an efficient method of administration for this type of formulation. This is an excellent study showing all aspects of the pharmacokinetics of liposomal carriers, and this method of encapsulation and drug release has been pursued in other experimental studies. However, the local trigger for drug release in the respiratory epithelium has not been identified. An intravenous solution of amikacin (50 mg per 3 mL) was administered twice daily as an aerosol to nine patients with nontuberculous immunosuppression. Adverse effects were self-limiting and not severe enough to warrant withdrawal from the study. Of the nine study participants, eight responded to the treatment and one died from underlying disease. This study shows favorable data indicating this intravenous solution can be aerosolized efficiently as an effective treatment for patients who are otherwise difficult to treat.82

Levofloxacin

Aerosolized levofloxacin (300 mg) is being investigated under the name MP-376. This novel formulation, apart from demonstrating efficient control of bacteria, has been shown to have additional immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. In a study by Tsivkovskii et al using human BE135 bronchial epithelial cells,83 MP-376 decreased production of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, whereas tobramycin aerosol solution increased production of interleukin-6. Aerosolized levofloxacin needs to offer additional benefits, as do the macrolides.84 Further investigation of this agent was performed in comparison with amikacin, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, and aztreonam against P. aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia complex, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, and Staphylococcus aureus. The two quinolones demonstrated the highest activity against the Gram-negative pathogens seen in cystic fibrosis. Levofloxacin demonstrated higher potency against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, while aztreonam was not active against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus or methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The bacterial activity of levofloxacin was observed to be more rapid and complete when compared with that of tobramycin and aztreonam (30 minutes for 11/12 isolates tested). Tobramycin killed 58% of isolates in 30 minutes and aztreonam was the slowest of the three agents. The antibacterial activity of levofloxacin was the same for mucoid and nonmucoid P. aeruginosa isolates. In conclusion, levofloxacin was the most potent antibiotic against cystic fibrosis isolates, with an MIC90 in the range of 8–32 μg/mL. The quinolones, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, had a protective effect against inhaled Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Francisella tularensis when administered subcutaneously or intraperitoneally at a dose of 90–120 mg/kg/day.85 Liposomal nanoparticles containing ciprofloxacin were investigated as an aerosol. The aerosol formulation was produced with a LC Sprint® and Turbo Boy S compressor® (PARI Pharma GmbH), and was administered to Calu-3 bronchial epithelial cells, with observation of efficiency against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The MMAD was 3.6 μm and the geometric standard deviation was 2.3. The aerosol nanoformulation was stable during storage and nebulization, and showed sustained-release properties. However, drug release was slower in comparison with the previously discussed studies due to the fact that several parameters were absent in the in vitro evaluation model (eg, macrophages, mucociliary clearance, and virulence factors).53 Moreover, the formulation was not effective against S. aureus, which was attributed to the thick peptidoglycan cell wall. However, as previously observed, these liposomes tend to modify their properties while interacting with mucus,53 so further investigation of this formulation is warranted in an in vivo model and sputum solution. Superiority of levofloxacin was observed in comparison with tobramycin, amikacin, and aztreonam when administered to 114 P. aeruginosa isolates in an hypoxia-induced model. All antibiotics except levofloxacin showed an increase in geometric mean values for MIC (tobramycin seven-fold, amikacin four-fold, and aztreonam six-fold), whereas the MIC for levofloxacin was increased by only two-fold in an anaerobic environment. The MIC50 was increased four-fold for tobramycin and 16-fold for aztreonam. Forty percent of the isolates showed an MIC increase of more than four-fold for tobramycin, amikacin, and aztreonam, but of only 4% for levofloxacin55 (Table 4).

Table 4

Aerosol studies with macrolides, quinolones, and tetracyclines

Reference	Drug	Subject	Production system	Result	Dosage	LFTs	Major adverse effects
Tsivkovskii et al83	Aerosol levofloxacin MP-376	HBE135 cells	Under clinical evaluation	Reduction in IL-6 and IL-8	–	–	–
King et al54	Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, tobramycin, aztreonam	PA, BC, SM, AX, SA	–	Levofloxacin most potent MIC50 range from 8–32 μg/mL	Dosage as instructed in package	–	–
Peterson et al85	Levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin	BA, YP, FT	–	Effective dosage 90–120 mg/kg/day for both quinolones	5% levofloxacin 2% ciprofloxacin in 5% dextrose	–	–
Ong et al58	Liposomal ciprofloxacin	Calu-3	PARI LCSprint and PARI Turbo Boy S compressor	Slower drug release from liposomes due to absence of in vivo trigger mechanisms	Ciprofloxacin 50 mg/mL, pH 6.0, HSPC 70.6 mg/mL, cholesterol 29.4 mg/mL	–	–
Togami et al21	Clarithromycin	Rat model	Liquid microsprayer	Aerosol more efficient delivery to ELF and AMs	Aerosol 0.2 mg/kg, Oral 50 mg/kg	–	–
Ren et al102	Doxycycline	Rats	Electric nebulizer	Prophylactic effect against treatment of smoking-induced mucus hypersecretion	Aerosol doxycycline 20 mg/kg	–	–
Zhang et al67	Azithromycin dry powder	In vitroIn vivo	Microsprayer	High encapsulation 59.2% 3.82 μm	AZI, raw material purity 95.5%	–	–
Nemec et al106	Clindamycin	Mice, TNF-α, sTNFRI-sTNFR2, IL-Iβ, IL-6, PG	Microsprayer	Clindamycin alone better than clindamycin plus dexamethasone Normalized TNF-α, sTNFRs	Clindamycin 40 mg/kg	–	–
Togami et al91	Telithromycin	Rats, Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Mycobacterium avium S. pneumoniae resistant to Penicillin G, erythromycin A and levofloxacin	Microsprayer	Aerosol distribution more efficient in AMs and ELF	Aerosol 0.2 mg/kg, Oral 50 mg/kg	–	–

Abbreviations: AMs, alveolar macrophages; ELF, epithelial lung fluid; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; MIC, minimum inhibitory concentration; SA, Staphylococcus aureus; PA, Pseudomona aeruginosa; BC, Burkholderia cepacia complex; SM, Stenotrophomonas maltophila; AX, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans; 1L-1β, interleukin 1β; 1L-6, interleukin 6; BA, Bacillus anthracis; YP, Yersinia pestis; FT, Francisella tularensis; Calu-3, sub-bronchial epithelial cell line; HBE135 cells, human bronchial epithelial cells; LFTs, lung function tests.

Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin was investigated as an aerosol versus an oral agent in a rat model. Safety was also evaluated. Blood samples and bronchoalveolar lavage were used to determine these parameters. The blood clarithromycin concentration was lower in the aerosol group, and drug concentration was observed in epithelial lung fluid and alveolar macrophages. The structure of the alveoli and mechanisms of transportation from the alveoli to the blood circulation and inverse are well known, ie, the capillary lumen, connective tissue, and alveolar epithelial cells.86 The capillary lumen acts as a filter via which the solution enters the systemic circulation. In addition, local transporters, ie, the MDR1/P-glycoprotein substrate, play a major role in transporting drug molecules from the alveolar region to the blood circulation, and the inverse.87–91 It has been observed that it is easier for a molecule to be transported from the alveolus to the circulation than the inverse.91 Therefore, at least for the clarithromycin aerosol formulation, it has been demonstrated that systemic side effects are fewer because less drug is introduced into the systemic circulation. In the current study, the safety of the formulation was demonstrated, given that no release of lactate dehydrogenase from lung tissue was observed. Further, the concentration of the aerosol clarithromycin formulation was observed to be 29-fold higher in alveolar macrophages than in epithelial lung fluid. Finally, the clarithromycin aerosol was observed to be stable in alveolar macrophages and epithelial lung fluid for 48 hours after administration, regardless of biodegradable molecules existing within epithelial lung fluid and alveolar macrophages92–96 (Table 4).

Amphotericin B

Four different nebulizers were evaluated as to whether they could produce droplets with an MMAD size <5 μm, which is necessary in order for the aerosol to be deposited in the distal airways. The Hudson Updraft® (Hudson Respiratory Care, Temecula, CA, USA), LC Star® (PARI Respiratory Equipment, Midlothian, VA, USA), Small Volume Nebulizer® (eValueMed, Mexico), and Aeroeclipse II® (Monaghan Medical Corporation, Plattsburgh, NY, USA) were driven by compressed air at a flow rate of 8 L per minute. The PARI LC and Aeroeclipse II were the best nebulizers for producing an optimal droplet size for efficient lung deposition.72 Amphotericin B was compared after modification involving encapsulation in chitosan-stearic acid conjugate nanomicelles with a commercially available formulation of amphotericin B. These formulations were tested against fve different fungal organisms, ie, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus favus, and Cryptococcus neoformans. It was observed that amphotericin B encapsulated in chitosan-stearic acid conjugate micelles was more effective than the commercially available formulation of amphotericin B for inhibition of the growth of C. neoformans. Further investigation of this method of encapsulation is warranted in an in vivo model for reasons as previously explained.69 Moreover, in another study, amphotericin B was incorporated into three different cholesteryl carbonate esters, ie, sodium cholesteryl carbonate, dicholesteryl carbonate, and cholesteryl palmitate. The dry powders produced were observed to be stable after 3 months of storage, and the MMAD was measured to be 6.8–8 μm. The powder was effective against C. neoformans and C. albicans, and further investigation of this form of encapsulation is warranted.65 In a study by Nasr et al,66 a lipid nanoemulsion containing amphotericin B aerosol was evaluated. The amphotericin B (25 mg) was prepared either with Intralipid® (Fresenius Kabi AB Uppsala, Sweden) or Clinoleic® (10 mL, Clintec Parenteral, Maurepas, France) and aerosolized with a PARI Sprint jet nebulizer. An in vitro evaluation was performed using a twin impinger. The nanoemulsion prepared with Clinoleic showed deposition at the lower impinging stage (80% versus 57% for Intralipid) and therefore would be theoretically more efficient in an in vivo evaluation model (Table 3).

Rifampicin

The antituberculosis drug, rifampicin, was investigated when encapsulated in poly-(ethylene oxide)-block-distearoyl phosphatidyl-ethanolamine polymers of two different molecular weights (mPEG2000-DSPE and mPEG5000-DSPE). The two formulations were nebulized efficiently using a jet nebulizer and the particle size range was 162–395 nm. The MMAD was identified as being 2.6 μm, and the aerodynamic characteristics were not influenced by the molecular weight of the copolymers. Encapsulation efficiency was also unaffected by the molecular weight of the copolymer and the highest encapsulation efficiency was observed when the drug/copolymer ratio was 1:5. Sustained release was observed for up to 3 days, and the mPEG2000-DSPE formulation were observed to be larger in size than the mPEG5000-DSPE. The size decreased when the PEG content in the formulation was increased. It should be mentioned that the PEG molecule adds a “stealth” ability, which enables the formulation to go unrecognized by the defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract, such as tracheal and alveolar macrophages.97 The PEG molecule has also been observed to be safe on aerosol administration.98 Finally, these formulations are excellent carriers, and further evaluation in an in vivo model is warranted. Microencapsulation of rifampicin was investigated when rifampicin dehydrate was coated with poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) or poly(DL-lactide). The MMAD range produced for all the formulations was 3.6–4.5 μm. The uncoated formulation showed immediate drug release followed by sustained release for 8 hours. The slowest drug release was observed from the poly(DL-lactide) formulation. The major observation was the effect of low pH as a drug release trigger for the poly (DL-lactide) carriers in comparison with the uncoated formulation.70 The pH of the environment has been previously identified as a trigger for release of drug in several formulations.99 In conclusion, based on the target tissue and organ (eg, gastric route), this formulation can be modulated to be an efficient treatment.

Rifampicin dehydrate was further investigated by recrystallization of rifampicin in anhydrous ethanol (rifampicin dehydrate) versus amorphous rifampicin with two dry powder inhalers, ie, the Aerolizer® (Merck, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA) and Handihaler® (Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany). The Aerolizer was found to be superior to the Handihaler, producing a MMAD of 2.2 μm. Stable storage was observed for 9 months, along with reduced agglomeration in the rifampicin dehydrate formulation in contrast with the amorphous rifampicin formulation. Maximum potency delivery was observed with the rifampicin dehydrate formulation.57 In another study investigating dry powders, an excipient-free triple antibiotic (isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampicin) dry powder was produced with a MMAD of 3.5 ± 0.1 μm. This formulation has to be further tested in an in vivo model64 (Table 3).

Isoniazid

Further investigation of antituberculous drugs produced the isoniazid-loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) formulation in different chitosan/TPP ratios. The dry powder was produced with a Cyclohaler® (Teva Pharmachemie, Haarlem, The Netherlands) and in vitro evaluation showed sustained release from the formulation for up to 6 days. Release was 50% at the first 4 hours, with 80% of the total encapsulated drug released by day 6. The effect was directly related to the chitosan/TPP ratio. Two formulations were investigated, ie, a 6:1 chitosan/TPP ratio and a 3:1 chitosan/TPP ratio, with a better long-term effect observed for the 6:1 ratio. Three types of bacteria, ie, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Mycobacterium intracellulare, were included in the in vitro evaluation, and a decrease in MIC was observed for M. intracellulare. The efficiency of the antiproliferative effect was again associated with the chitosan/TPP ratio of 6:1. Different molecules were included in the construction of the dry powder formulation, with each one conferring different properties (in terms of shape and surface) to the dry powder molecule.100 The formulation contained large-sized particles, and further investigation toward creating smaller-sized dry powder, is necessary since we have positive antibacterial results in vitro. Another method of aerosol production was used for aerosolized intrapulmonary delivery of isoniazid, capreomycin, and amikacin versus subcutaneous administration of the same drugs. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis density (colony-forming units) was efficiently reduced using the aerosol and subcutaneous administration routes; however, this effect occurred one week earlier using the aerosol modality. Further evaluation of the aerosol showed positive results at lower and fewer doses, with reduction of bacteria load seen in the spleen101 (Table 3).

Doxycycline

Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, was administered as an aerosol using an electric nebulizer in order to evaluate its effect on mucus production in acrolein-exposed rats. Acrolein is a compound found in tobacco smoke and is known to induce chronic inflammation in the airways. Acrolein was used to induce inflammation of the airways and mucus hypersecretion in rats. Mucus hypersecretion is known to impair mucociliary clearance, so doxycycline was administered and efficiently downregulated MUC5 AC mRNA and mucus production. Doxycycline could be used in patients with severe airways inflammation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis, either as a standard anti-inflammatory treatment for mucus production or as a method for enhancing aerosol deposition.102 Doxycycline has also been found to prevent development of fibrosis in a mouse model, so there are further properties that need to be investigated103 (Table 4).

Azithromycin

Azithromycin dry powder was evaluated in a rat model. The MMAD was measured at 3.82 μm and administration was done with a microsprayer. Azithromycin is known to achieve high concentrations in phagocytic cells (monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells).104 Macrophages are also known to take up this dry powder when deposited in the respiratory tract as early as one hour post administration.105 The dry powder produced from raw azithromycin materials in the study by Zhang et al offers an alternative formulation for delivering this antibiotic67 (Table 4).

Clindamycin

Clindamycin was administered intratracheally either alone or in combination with dexamethasone. Animals were inoculated with Porphyromonas gingivalis. Inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF-α receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2), interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6, were measured at different time points. It was observed that clindamycin alone is more potent in reducing the density of the bacterial population and normalizes TNF-α and sTNFR1 after resolution of aspiration pneumonia106 (Table 4).

Squalamine and colistin

Squalamine, a steroid extracted from sharks, was evaluated versus colistin in a rat model. The colistin formulation was 160 mg (2.8 μm MMAD) and squalamine 3 mg (3 μm MMAD), with administration for 6 days. The aerosol was administered in a sealed cage with a nose-only inlet. The rats were inoculated with P. aeruginosa and both treatments were found to be efficient; however, pathologic examination was in favor of the squalamine group since the diffuse and confuent bronchopneumonia lesions were markedly reduced107 (Table 3).

Telithromycin

Telithromycin was administered as aerosol with a microsprayer in a rat model and the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics was evaluated. The aerosol administered as 0.2 mg/mL was more efficiently distributed in alveolar macrophages and epithelial lung fluid than when administered orally. Both modalities were evaluated using the following bacteria: Haemophilus influenza, Streptococcus pneumonia, Chlamydophila pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila, Mycobacterium avium, and S. pneumonia resistant to Penicillin G, erythromycin A, and levofloxacin. It was observed that the concentration of telithromycin in the alveolar macrophages and epithelial lung fluid time curve/minimum concentration of telithromycin ratio was higher than the effective values.21 As previously stated in the amikacin section, there are specific structural properties and local transportation mechanisms which enhance the ability of a formulation to be moved more easily from the alveoli to the systemic blood circulation as inverse (Table 4).

Antimicrobial aminosterol formulation

The novel aminosterol derivative (ASD) was compared with tobramycin in a P. aeruginosa and S. aureus evaluation model. The MICs for P. aeruginosa for ASD and tobramycin were 4 mg/L, and 1 mg/L, respectively. The MICs for S. aureus for ASD and tobramycin were 1 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L. The aerosol was produced using two production systems, ie, the LC Plus and eFlow, and the MMAD produced was <5 μm. The effectiveness of the two aerosol formulations was further evaluated when mucin 1 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL was added. In the tobramycin group, it was observed that the MIC was increased by four-fold and 16-fold for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. Further evaluation of this novel antimicrobial formulation is warranted in an in vivo model108 (Table 1).

Production systems and evaluation models

The two basic types of production systems are the jet nebulizer and the ultrasonic nebulizer. Jet nebulizer production is by the Bernoulli principle, and uses gas to produce an aerosol mist. The ultrasonic nebulizers use a piezoelectric crystal vibrating at a high frequency (1–3 MHz) and generate aerosol mist. The higher the frequency, the “finer” the aerosol produced.109 Aerogen’s aerosol generator is portable, quiet, and has a shorter duration of aerosol production and ability to control particle size and flow rate. It efficiently aerolizes proteins and peptides, but is expensive.110 The Aeroneb hand-held inhaler has the ability to produce 3–5-fold smaller droplets when compared with the jet and ultrasonic nebulizers, and the remaining volume concentration in the residual cup is negligible, but the devices are expensive.111 Omron’s technology is a piezoelectric crystal, with a negligible volume of the drug remaining in the residual cup and the ability to control particle size and flow rate, but is again an expensive device.112 TouchSpray™ technology (Odem Scientific Applications Ltd, Rehovot, Israel) also has the ability to control particle size and flow rate. It can be used to aerosolize any compound, but is expensive.113 The Soft Mist® inhaler (Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany) is cheap and easy to use. The dose delivered is independent of the patient’s respiratory capacity and lower doses are needed in comparison with the Handihaler device.114 Metered dose inhalers are outpatient inhalation devices, and are designed for single dose and multiple dose inhalation. Lung deposition varies between 12%–40%, 20%–25% of the cloud produced is retained within the device, lack of hand-mouth coordination is observed, and 50%–80% of the dose may be deposited in the oropharynx due to the high velocity of the particles produced. Patient technique is still a major factor.115 Dry powder inhalers are breath-actuated and need more rapid and larger inhalation efforts (>60 L per minute), and their efficiency depends on the nature of the powder.116

Durand et al59 investigated deposition of aerosol produced with an Atomisor NL11SN jet nebulizer connected to an AOLH® air source compressor (Diffusion Technique Française, Saint-Etienne, France). The experiment was conducted with either gentamicin solution 80 mg/mL (4 mL) or 2.5% NaF solution (4 mL), with the nebulization system operating as a classic nebulizer or with addition of a 100 Hz acoustic frequency (producing sonic aerosol). This is the first time that intrasinus aerosol deposition has been evaluated in a human plastinated nasal cast. It was observed that the MMAD increased as the concentration of gentamicin increased, indifferent to the additional usage of 100 Hz acoustic flow and the local anatomic features influence the deposition. Local deposition was increased two-fold with addition of 100 Hz acoustic airflow, but did not overcome the local “anatomy” deposition factor. In the study by Wee et al,117 an aerosol was investigated using a method incorporating mathematical model derivation, in vitro testing, and in vivo testing.

In another study by McCormack et al,61 two different breathing modes were evaluated, ie, the tidal breathing mode and the target inhalation mode. It was observed that the target inhalation mode reduced the time of aerosol administration and increased patient adherence. The same group modified their administration apparatus to record patient adherence with aerosol administration.118 Addition of 5%–7% CO2 during nebulization demonstrated an increase in tidal volume of 180% and a decrease in respiratory rate.119,120 Additional oxygen delivery through a nasal device during air-driven jet nebulization increased the fraction of inspired oxygen and decreased the droplet size produced.121

In another survey investigating the method of aerosol administration preferred by clinical physicians for tracheostomized children reported a preference for the tracheostomy aerosol mask.60 However, this was only a survey study on which device is usually preferable by pediatric pulmonologists probably due to the easy access to the airways and method of administration. Moreover, disposable versus reusable nebulizers were investigated as to whether they would have an impact on aerosol deposition. More than 20 nebulization systems were evaluated, and it was observed that there was no difference between the compressed air source and nebulizer performance; however, different interfaces produced different results.122 New nebulization systems such as the eFlow when compared with the PARI LC Star produce the aerosol in half the amount of time, but there is no difference in deposition rate.123 The investigational eFlow nebulizer system was observed to be more efficient than the Cirrus Jet® nebulizer (Intersurgical, Wokingham, UK) and the pressurized meter dose inhaler with an Aerochamber® (Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc, St Louis, MO, USA) for drug delivery to preterm infants.124 Further investigation of nebulization systems produced the Ink-Jet® nebulizer technology; this new apparatus was investigated with insulin solutions, and found not to interfere with the biological activity of the solution.125 This novel system of hormone administration has to be further investigated with other formulations.

Aerosol delivery (with the Sidestream® jet nebulizer, Philips Respironics, Best, The Netherlands) was observed to be efficient when it was necessary to deliver small doses rapidly; however, for high doses, nebulization was efficient when using a corrugated piece of tubing.126 This administration modality was further evaluated in six healthy spontaneous breathing volunteers.127 Regarding vibrating nebulizers, it has been proposed that refrigerating the impactor down to 5°C prior to aerosol measurement provides unbiased results. In addition, laser diffraction spectrometry is the optimal method for measurement of aerosol droplets produced from vibrating mesh nebulizers.128 The vibrating mesh nebulizer (Omron NE U22) was evaluated in comparison with the LC Plus and Sidestream, and it was observed that the position of the mesh device altered the run time and variability in particle distribution.129 Fadl et al130 investigated modifications in the mouthpiece of two meter dose inhalers in order to reduce inertial impact and reduce deposition of the aerosol in the oral cavity. They achieved higher particle penetration by creating a new mouthpiece based on the previous one.

Conclusion

Local antibiotic administration has shown favorable results in the treatment of respiratory diseases. The droplets produced with the current systems vary in the range of 1.2–4.5 μm, and we would like to have aerosols of 1–2 μm upon production since until their final deposition they will expand at least by 25%. The particle size of 1–2 μm deposits in the 17–23 airway generations which are the respiratory airways.131,132 The method of aerosol production and delivery may vary between patients due to the underlying respiratory disease or respiratory capability (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and intubation).3,77,133–136 The drug formulation is also an important factor in deposition and local absorption, and further investigation is needed probably in a disease by disease case.137–140 However, the appropriate timing of aerosol antibiotic administration has not been properly evaluated in all respiratory diseases. Apart from the obvious issue of pharmacokinetics, the timing of administration as prophylactic treatment has to be further evaluated in comparison with intravenous administration in head-to-head trials.141 In any case, we are interested in creating a local antibiotic concentration gradient that will not induce antibiotic resistance.133,142 Administration of aerosol antibiotic or antiviral therapy in acute infection was previously administered without toxicity.143 Future direction towards an efficient aerosol antibiotic treatment comes from a group of patients in need of daily treatment. Studies in children and young adults with cystic fibrosis indicate that the next generation of aerosol antibiotic treatments should be delivered in less time and less dose frequency during the day.144 Moreover, a patient-friendly device that increases adherence and possibly enables monitoring of treatment should be investigated further.118 These parameters have been partially achieved with carriers (eg, liposomes, PEG, chitosan)53,58,63,69,71,72 encapsulating the antibiotic drug and with new aerosol production systems (eg, eFlow)124 and mouthpiece modifications.126 Three directions of investigation should summarized to (i) production system, (ii) efficient interface of production to deposition, and (iii) efficient local concentration (MICmax) (Table 5).

Table 5

Methods and models of aerosol deposition evaluation

Durand M, Pourchez J, Aubert G, Le Guellec S, Navarro L, Forest v, Rusch P, Cottier M. Deposition evaluation model with classic nebulizer or 100 Hz acoustic airflow.59

McCormack P, McNamara PS, Southern KW. Two different breathing modes were evaluated.61

Willis LD, Berlinski A. Survey on aerosol administration in tracheo stomized children by pediatric pulmonologists.60

Vecellio L, Abdelrahim ME, Montharu J, Galle J, Diot P, Dubus JC. Disposable versus reusable jet nebulizers.122

Stegen K, Neujens A, Crombez G, Hermans D, van de woestijne KP, van den Bergh O. Negative effect of CO2 addition in nebulization.120

Caille V, Ehrmann S, Boissinot E, Perrotin D, Diot P, Dequin PF. Nasal additional oxygen delivery during air-driven jet nebulization increases FiO2.121

Britland S, Finter W, Chrystyn H, Eagland D, and Abdelrahim ME. Different aerosol formulations interact differently with the solutions and tissue in the respiratory system.139

Coates AL, Green M, Leung K, Chan J, Ribeiro N, Ratjen F, Charron M. Superiority of the investigational eFlow® by producing the same amount of aerosol in half time in comparison to PARI LC Plus®.123

Pitance L, Reychler G, Leal T, Reychler H, Liistro G, Montharu J, Lab T, Diot P, Vecellio L. Sidestream® jet nebulizer with and without corrugated piece of tubing.126

Wee WB, Leung K, Coates AL. A proposed aerosol evaluation model (i) mathematical model derivation, (ii) in vitro testing and (iii) in vivo testing.117

Tiemersma S, Minocchieri S, Lingen RA, Nelle M, Devadason SG. eFlow® nebulizer system more efficient in comparison to Intersurgical® Cirrus Jet® nebulizer and pressured meter dose inhaler with an Aerochamber® for drug delivery to preterm infants.124

Pitance L, vecellio L, Leal T, Reychler G, Reychler H, Liistro G. Sidestream® jet nebulizer with and without corrugated piece of tubing in six healthy spontaneous breathing volunteers.127

Rao N, Kadrichu N, Ament B. Refrigerating the impactor down to 5°C prior to aerosol measurement produced by vibrating mesh nebulizers.128

McCormack P, Southern KW, McNamara PS. Automatic data recording of patient adherence to aerosol administration.118

Skaria S, Smaldone GC. Omron NE U22 was evaluated in comparison to PARI LC Plus® and Sidestream®.129

Fadl A, Wang J, Zhang Z. Metered dose inhaler mouthpieces were modified in order reduce the inertial impaction in order to reduce aerosol deposition to the oral airway.130