Changes in salbutamol concentration in the reservoir solution of a jet nebulizer.

An increase in concentration of salt in the reservoir solution of jet nebulizers driven by dry compressed gas has been observed but changes in salbutamol concentration have not been investigated; therefore: Concentration changes were observed following 10 minutes nebulization for two driving sources and starting volumes. Using an electric compressor, the time courses of changes in drug concentration and output were observed for a 5 mg dose of salbutamol in 2 and 4 ml starting volumes. Changes in drug concentration were smaller for a 4 ml starting volume and for compressor driven nebulizers. Salbutamol concentration increased with the length of nebulization and the rate of increase was inversely related to starting volume. There was poor agreement between fluid and drug output for the 2 ml starting volume and drug output did not increase significantly when nebulization exceeded 4 minutes. For the 4 ml fill there was closer agreement between fluid and drug output and drug output exceeded that for the 2 ml fill after 10 minutes. In conclusion, fluid output alone is an inadequate measure of drug output and changes in drug concentration cannot be overlooked when assessing nebulizers for nebulizer therapy.