Controlled multi-pharmaceutical inhaler

摘要

A powdered pharmaceutical inhaler (2) includes a source of pressurized gas (4), a pharmaceutical transfer assembly (104) and a mouthpiece assembly (106). The pharmaceutical transfer assembly includes a pharmaceutical reservoir (172, 174) containing undivided supplies of at least one pharmaceutical (173, 175). Quantities of the pharmaceutical are transferred from the pharmaceutical reservoir to an entrainment region along a flow path (188) through the inhaler by one or more dosing members (120-128). By using multiple reservoirs with different pharmaceuticals, a variable dose can be simultaneously inhaled in a single application. An auxiliary ambient air flow path (238) can be used to surround the pressurized gas flow path at the exit of the inhaler. A view port (184) can be used to visually inspect the entrainment region for the presence and amount of pharmaceutical to be inhaled. A preferred embodiment pocket sized and streamlined embodiment includes air compression for assisted inhalation combined with dosing member loading. In the streamlined embodiment, after air compression, an air valve activated by inhalation entrains powered medication in the dosing members for inhalation and consequent dispensing of the prescriptive dosage to the patient.