摘要 |
A composition, process and method is disclosed of decreasing mammalian upper respiratory system airway resistance by administering an aerosolized mixture of lipid crystals comprised of a mixture of one or more lipids surfactants and one or more spreading agents selected from the group consisting of sterols, lipids, fatty acids, cholesteryl esters, phospholipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, in powder form, and one or more propellants, in which the lipid surfactants and spreading agents are not soluble, through a mammalian external airway orifice. Upon administration, the propellant(s) are evaporated from the mixture and the lipid crystals are deposited upon the air/liquid interface resident upon the epithelial lining of the upper respiratory system forming an amorphous spread film thereupon substantially decreasing the resistance to air flow through said upper respiratory system. In a second preferred embodiment, a therapeutically active agent effective in the treatment of upper respiratory disease is added to the mixture of lipid crystals and upon administration of said aerosol mixture, the amorphous spread film formed thereby carries said therapeutically active agent throughout the tissues of the upper respiratory system. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the afore-mentioned reduction of surface tension and delivery of therapeutically active agents is provided by a mixture of lipid crystals comprised of surfactant(s), therapeutically active agents and a propellant in which such other components are not soluble.
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