Lung deposition of inhaled tobramycin with eFlow rapid/LC Plus jet nebuliser in healthy and cystic fibrosis subjects.

BACKGROUND Reducing nebulisation times for tobramycin solution for inhalation in cystic fibrosis (CF) may improve compliance. METHODS In this single-dose, open-label, two-way crossover study, 13 subjects (7 CF, 6 healthy) were randomised to receive tobramycin via eFlow rapid or LC Plus jet nebuliser. Drug deposition in the lung using gamma scintigraphic imaging, nebulisation times, pharmacokinetics, and safety were evaluated. RESULTS In CF patients, whole-lung deposition was 40% less with the eFlow rapid compared with LC Plus nebulisers was (8.9±0.8%, and 15.1±6.0%, p>0.05). Nebulisation time was shorter with eFlow rapid compared to LC Plus (7.0min versus 20.0min, p<0.05). Lung deposition in healthy subjects was comparable between both devices. CONCLUSIONS eFlow rapid reduces the nebulisation time of tobramycin and can potentially improved compliance in patients with CF.